Secon

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1971

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Adult Division, No. 304, Second Quarter, 1971

Lesson Titles for the Quarter

Challenging Truths for All Times

Toward the Fullness of Christ

From Sinners to Saints

From Chaos to Community

Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown

God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled

Unity—Source of Peace and Progress

Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

Walk in the Light

10.

Spiritual Renewal Through Christ

11.

To the Pillars of the Christian Home

12.

Excellence in Endeavor Through Christian Principles

13.

Be Strong in the Lord

The regular Sabbath School senior division lessons and reg-

ular Sabbath School World Mission Report are available free

each month in Braille and magnetic tapes to blind and phys-

ically handicapped persons who cannot read normal inkprint.

This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple

sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold

or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian

Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 304, April-June, 1971. 30 cents a single

copy, $1.20 a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published

in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street,

Mountain View, California 94040. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, Cali-

fornia. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old

and new addresses.

Cover painting by John Steel, artist; © PPPA

Drawings by James Converse

The Blessing of Daily Study

"Every day some portion of time should be appropri-

ated to the study of the lessons, not merely in learning to

mechanically repeat the words, while the mind does not

comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda-

tion, and become familiar with what is brought out in the

lesson."—Counsels on Sabbath School

Work, page 53.

My Pledge

As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge

of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and

prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School

lesson each day of the week.

(signed)

Studies in the EpisitIle

t® the Ephesians

SECOND QUARTER, 1971

Place of writing and date: "Having exercised his rights as a Roman citizen

and appealed to Caesar, Paul was sent to Rome, where he probably arrived

in the spring of A.D. 61. Here he was a prisoner for two years. Thus it is likely

that this epistle was written about A.D. 62."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6,

p. 994.

Historical background: "Paul wrote this epistle in times and surroundings

that well form a background to his message. The bloody Nero was emperor;

licentiousness, luxury, and murder were rampant. It is recorded, for example,

that when L. Pedanius Secundus, a senator of Rome, had been murdered by

a slave, in accordance with legal rights some 400 slaves of his household were

condemned to death in retribution."—Ibid.

Theme: "This book of the New Testament . . . may be described as a

solemn contemplation of the lofty privilege into which God's eternal purpose

has brought believers in Christ, followed by an exhortation to conduct worthy

of this high calling. Beneath this simple structure of the epistle and pervading

the whole is the fully developed conception of Christ as central in the universe

and in

history."—Encyclopaedia Britannica,

1946 ed., article, "Epistle to the

Ephesians."

Relevance: This letter was written during the closing days of Paul's min-

istry, while he was a prisoner in Rome. See

The Acts of the Apostles,

page

176;

Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 730. His great burden was that the believers

should stand firm and that they should all come into "the unity of the faith,

and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the mea-

sure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Eph. 4:13.

"These messages, written with a power not of man but of God, contain

lessons which should be studied by all and which may with profit be often

repeated. In them practical godliness is outlined, principles are laid down

that should be followed in every church, and the way that leads to life eternal

is made plain."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages 470, 471.

CHALLENGING TRUTHS FOR ALL TIMES

"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, ac-

cording to the riches of His grace." Eph. 1:7.

Study Helps:

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 63-67;

Prophets and Kings,

pages

681-702;

SDA Bible Commentary.

"This letter, containing the deepest

church truth, is a treasure-house of rich

spiritual food, highly doctrinal in charac-

ter. It contains the longest sentence in print,

commencing at chapter 1, verse 3, and ex-

tending through verse 14."—Kenneth

Wuest,

Acts Through Ephesians,

page 213.

"The Epistle to the Ephesians occupies

a place of supreme importance in the his-

tory of Christian theology. It could almost

be said that through the centuries the in-

fluence of Paul has been felt primarily

through this epistle."—The

Interpreter's

Bible,

Vol. 10, p. 605.

Think on the Writer:

Paul was "an

apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God."

"As a theologian he ranks as perhaps the

greatest of all time, having laid much of

the foundation upon which Christian dog-

matics is built. His elevated concept of

Christ has dominated Christianity. He was

an able orator (Acts 17:22-31). . . . He

was also a great evangelist. . . . Yet in spite

of his many gifts and his high calling, he

was a man of great humility (1 Cor 15:9;

Eph 3:8). . . . He possessed singleness of

purpose (1 Cor 2:2; Php 3:13), composure

of mind (Php 4:11, 12 ; 1 Ti 6:6-8), ... and

unfailing faith (Rom 2:28, 38, 39; Gal

2:20; 2 Ti

1:12)."—SDA Bible Dictionary,

"Paul," page 832.

LESSON OUTLINE

Salutation of the Apostle Paul

Eph. 1:1-3

Chosen for Salvation by God

Eph. 1:4-6

Redemption Through Christ's

Blood

Eph. 1:7, 8

Amazing Plan Made Known

Eph. 1:9, 10

Believer's Inheritance Secure

Eph. 1:11, 12

Sealed With the Spirit of

Promise

Eph. 1:13, 14



Challenging Truths



for All Times

LESSON 1



❑

Sunday

March 28



Part 1



"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,



SALUTATION OF



to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in

THE APOSTLE PAUL Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our

Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed



Eph. 1:1-3



us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."

"The will of God." This gave Paul a strong conviction of

divine calling. He uses the expression at least six times to the

churches. (1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1; Eph. 1:1;

Col. 1:1.)

By direct mandate of Christ he had been chosen (Acts

9:5-15), and by diligence and the grace of God he continued

his witness till his death (2 Tim. 4:7). He undoubtedly was,

after Christ, the gospel's greatest exponent and model church

leader.

"Saints." This is an early use of this word in the sense of

"Christians" (Acts 9:13), and occurs in all his epistles except

Thessalonians and Galatians and those written to individuals.

"Blessed." He blesses God, who has blessed the saints "with

all spiritual blessings." This comprehensive statement would

doubtless include the doctrinal revelations such as adoption,

resurrection, and immortality, as brought to light in the gospel.

"Paul carried with him the atmosphere of heaven. All who

associated with him felt the influence of his union with Christ.

The fact that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed,

gave convincing power to his preaching."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

pages 510, 511.

What is the meaning of "an apostle of Jesus Christ"?

Can each believer live every day "by the will of God"?

What were the characteristics of a "saint" of Paul's

day? From what kind of world had the "faithful" come?

Eph. 1:1.

THINK IT THROUGH

Are "all spiritual blessings" available to us today?

If we availed ourselves of them, would our homes and

churches undergo some change? Have you found by ex-

perience that "rejoicing in the Lord" is a helpful attitude

in one's life?

"No tongue can express, no finite

mind can conceive, the blessing that

results from appreciating the goodness

and love of God. Even on earth we may

have joy as a wellspring, never failing,

because fed by the streams that flow

from the throne of God. Then let us

educate our hearts and lips to speak

the praise of God for His matchless

love."—"The Ministry of Healing," page

253.

❑

Monday

March



Part 2



"According as He hath chosen us in Him before the

CHOSEN FOR foundation of the world, that we should be holy and

SALVATION without blame before Him in love: having predestinated

BY GOD us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Him-

self, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the

praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made

Eph. 1:4-6 us accepted in the Beloved."

"Through Him He picked us out before the creation of the

world, to be consecrated and above reproach in His sight in

love. He foreordained us to become His sons by adoption

through Christ Jesus, to carry out the happy choice of His

will, so that we might praise the splendid favor which He has

shown us in His beloved Son."—Charles B. Williams.

The Greek verb from which we get the meaning "to deter-

mine beforehand" occurs in Rom. 8:29, 30 and Eph. 1:5, 11.

God foresaw those who would accept the conditions of salva-

tion. These He calls, justifies, glorifies. See Rom. 8:30.

"By Jesus Christ." All that God does for us is through Jesus

Christ. Paul labored to "present every man perfect in Christ

Jesus." Col. 1:28. It is God's will that all should be adopted

into the Christian family.

"We ourselves owe everything to God's free grace. Grace in

the covenant ordained our adoption. Grace in the Saviour ef-

fected our redemption, our regeneration, and our exaltation to

heirship with Christ. Let this grace be revealed to others.

"Give the erring one no occasion for discouragement. .

Let no tinge of scorn be manifest in the voice. . . . If you take

an attitude of indifference, or show suspicion or distrust, it

may prove the ruin of a soul. . . . Let him feel the strong clasp

of a sympathizing hand, and hear the whisper, Let us pray.

. . Nothing can justify an unforgiving

spirit."—Christ's Object

Lessons,

pages 250, 251.

What is God's goal for the chosen ones? Having been

chosen, what status were they to have in the family of

God?



THINK IT THROUGH



Are there dangers in thinking that we are God's chosen

persons? What is the antidote to this type of thinking?

Challenging Truths for All Times

LESSON 1

"All who will may see the mystery

of godliness. But it is only through a

correct understanding of Christ's mis-

sion and work that the possibility of

being complete in Him, accepted in the

Beloved, is brought within our reach.

... And to as many as receive Him, He

gives the power to become the sons of

God, even to them that believe on His

name."—Ellen G. White Comments,

"SDA Bible Commentary," Vol. 6, p.

1 1 13.

Challenging Truths for All Times

LESSON 1

Part 3

REDEMPTION

THROUGH

CHRIST'S BLOOD

Eph. 1:7, 8

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Tuesday

March 30

"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the

forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;

wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and

prudence."

Redemption comes by the voluntary sacrifice of Christ and

by the voluntary faith of man in that sacrifice. Christ's death

was unique. The life sacrificed for humanity was without sin

(1 Peter 1:19), and it provided a "ransom for all." Not even

one is excluded. 1 Tim. 2:6.

Faith in the blood of Christ produces peace (Col. 1:20) and

cleanses from sin. 1 John 1:7. We overcome by its power. Rev.

12:11.

"Dear brother, dear sister, when Satan would fill your mind

with despondency, gloom, and doubt, resist his suggestions. Tell

him of the blood of Jesus, that cleanses from all sin. You

cannot save yourself from the tempter's power, but he trem-

bles and flees when the merits of that precious blood are urged."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 317.

There is no magic in the shed blood. There is a twofold

miracle involved in the process of salvation. First, that divine

love provided the incarnation and shedding of Christ's blood

for all men. Second, that through faith in the death on Calvary's

cross, man could repent, confess, find conversion, and thus pass

from sinner to saint. From this miracle he finds divine grace

to abound "in all wisdom and prudence."

. "He wants to restore His moral image in man. As you draw

near to Him with

confession

and

repentance,

He will draw

near to you with mercy and forgiveness."—Steps

to Christ,

page 55.

What changes come to the man who accepts the sacri-

fice of Christ? How rich and complete is the bestowal of

grace? How many have been excluded from the gospel

plan? Eph. 1:7; Acts 17:30.

As we contemplate the grandeur of the plan of re-

demption, what can we say about its relation to the

believers in the church? Should they be courageous, or

fearful?

"But the atonement for a lost world

was to be full, abundant, and com-

plete. Christ's offering was exceedingly

abundant to reach every soul that God

had created. It could not be restricted

so as not to exceed the number who

would accept the great Gift. All men

are not saved

;

yet the plan of redemp-

tion is not a waste because it does not

accomplish all that its liberality has

provided for. There must be enough and

to spare."—"The Desire of Ages," pages

565, 566.

❑

Wednesday

March 31



Part 4



"Having made known unto us the mystery of His will,

AMAZING PLAN according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed

MADE KNOWN in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of

times He might gather together in one all things in

Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on

Eph. 1:9, 10 earth; even in Him."

Sin caused disunion. God's plan was to restore unity be-

tween heaven and earth. Sin was the cosmic tragedy, and

today it is the Number One problem in the world. But God

has purposed that in time unity will be restored between

heaven and earth.

"The mystery of His will" is made known to man in its

broad essentials without explicit mention of all the means used,

which means man could not in his finite state understand. Paul

speaks of "my knowledge in the mystery of Christ." Eph. 3:4.

He received by revelation sufficient for the edification of the

saints (Gal. 1:12; Col. 1:25), but elsewhere he acknowledges

human limits to comprehension of infinite things. 1 Cor. 13:9-12.

"Fullness of times. . . .

The entire gospel age seems to be

comprehended. As there are appropriate times for the sowing

of the seed and the gathering of the harvest, there are also

suitable seasons for God's activities in connection with the

redemption of men. There are some things that could be ac-

complished at one time and not at another, because He is deal-

ing with beings who are free moral agents whom He will not

even attempt to force into compliance with His purposes.

Through the ages there have been successive unfoldings of the

plans of God, stages of development leading up to the final

consummation when there will be a universal unity."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 1:10.

Who only was the author of the plan to bring unity

into the universe? When was this plan to be made opera-

tive? Who was its center? When will it be completely

fulfilled? Eph. 1:10.



THINK IT THROUGH



Does my daily Christian life show that I am giving my

full cooperation for my own benefit and that of others?

Challenging Truths for All Times

LESSON 1

"It was God's gracious purpose to

make this revelation. He was not in the

position of finding Himself in a di-

lemma when faced with the outbreak

of sin, nor did He grudgingly set about

the glorious, but agonizing, work of

redemption. . . . It is not an adequate

2—A2Qt71

or a reverent picture of the character

of God to present Him as reluctantly

yielding to the persuasions of man or

of Christ before He is willing to forgive

sin or

to come to the aid of His stricken

creatures."—"SDA Bible Commentary,"

on Eph. 1:9.



Challenging Truths



for All Times

LESSON 1



❑

Thursday

April 1



Part 5



"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, be-

BELIEVER'S ing predestinated according to the purpose of Him who

INHERITANCE worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: that

SECURE we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted



Eph. 1:11, 12



in Christ."

Here Paul pursues the great theme of the divine purpose,

the sovereign will of God in working out the ultimate triumph

of righteousness over evil. We have a present inheritance, how-

ever, and we are to give thanks for it. Col. 1:12.

In some cases this inheritance is both here and in the here-

after. Mark 10:30. Study the use of the word "inheritance" as

it applies to our inheritance among the saints (Acts 20:32 ;

26:18), the present token (earnest) of more to come (Eph,

1:14).

Mention some qualities of the inheritance of the saints

through Christ's resurrection. 1 Peter 1:3, 4. For more

on rewards and inheritance see Mark 10:29, 30.

"To the praise of His glory" or its equivalent is used three

times. Eph. 1:6, 12, 14. Is this praise just word of mouth, or

what more is involved in the phrase "that we should be to the

praise of His glory"?

"An immense sacrifice was made on the part of God's dear

Son, that He might have power to rescue fallen man and exalt

him to His own right hand, make him an heir of the world and

a possessor of the eternal weight of glory. Language fails to

express the value of the immortal inheritance. The glory, riches,

and honor offered by the Son of God are of such infinite value

that it is beyond the power of men or even angels to give any

just idea of their worth, their excellence, their magnificence."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 2, p. 40.

How is the believer's inheritance made secure? Who

has decided that the believer is to have an inheritance?

Does the will of God have something to do with the

bestowal of the inheritance? Eph. 1:11.



THINK IT THROUGH



Do you think we value our Christian inheritance as

intensely as did these first believers? By what means can

we obtain this vivid sense of inheritance?

"Christ is coming

with power and

great glory. He is coming with His own

glory and with the glory of the Father.

. . . While all the world is plunged in

darkness, there will be light in every

dwelling of the saints. They will catch

the first light of His second appearing.

The unsullied light will shine from His

splendor, and Christ the Redeemer will

admired by all who have served

Him. While the wicked flee, Christ's fol-

lowers will rejoice in His presence. Then

it is that the redeemed from among

men will receive their promised inheri-

tance."—"Prophets and Kings," page

720.

Part 6

SEALED WITH

THE SPIRIT

OF PROMISE

Eph. 1:13, 14

❑

Friday

April

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the

word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also

after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy

Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance

until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto

the praise of His glory."

"The word of truth" must here include all that Paul means

in Romans 1:16—the whole gospel, of which he was unashamed.

How did they hear this word? It was the apostles' exposition

of the Christian gospel based on the Scriptures of their fathers.

This was Christ's own method of preaching the word of truth.

See Luke 24:27. Today men are seeking for truth from many

sources other than the Inspired Word.

"The truth is more than a collection of statements of fact,

which would hay.e no salvation in them as such; the truth

must finally bring us to Him who is 'the way, the truth, and

the life' (John 14:6). Every noble impulse that arises in any

man's soul, Christian or heathen, springs from that one Source.

Indeed, the influence of the Holy Spirit is necessary to the

effective reception of the truth (1 Cor. 2:12-15). . . .

"There is an orderly change in the believer's life: first there

is the hearing, then the believing, and then the sealing that puts

upon him, as it were, an impression or stamp."—SDA

Bible

Commentary,

on Eph. 1:13.

"The heart must be emptied of every defilement and

cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the con-

fession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecra-

tion of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for

the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The

same work, only in greater degree, must be done

now."—Testi-

monies to Ministers,

page 507.

What heavenly ministry had come to seal the Ephe-

sians as God's own people? Of what significance was

this work? How does the ministry of the Holy Spirit relate

to the inheritance? Eph. 1:13.

Challenging Truths for All Times

LESSON 1

THINK IT THROUGH



On the basis of my spiritual growth in the last five

years, when will the Holy Spirit be the fully controlling

and energizing element of my life?

"Only those who are living up to the

light they have will receive greater

light. Unless we are daily advancing in

the exemplification of the active Chris-

tian virtues, we shall not recognize the

manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the

latter rain. It may be falling on hearts

all around us, but we shall not discern

or receive it."—"Testimonies to Minis-

ters," page 507.

Challenging Truths for All Time

LESSON 1



April 3

Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER

The believer is blessed with (A) The blessings he needs; (B) All spiritual

blessings; (C) Blessings for which he asks.



Complete : "In whom we have redemption through His



, the

forgiveness of



, according to the riches of His

When were the believers chosen? (A) After sin entered

this world; (B)

When converted; (C) Before the foundation of the world



True or False: God's plan included gathering together all things in Christ.

By accepting Christ what bestowal does the believer receive



True or False: The believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.



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

!3 (c) :a3e32 'sup 'poem (z)



(/) :saarneud

TOWARD THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

"And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all

things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all."

Eph. 1:22, 23.

Study Helps:

The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 469-484;

Testimonies,

Vol. 8, pp. 312-

335 ;

SDA Bible Commentary.

There are some who insist that the Chris-

tian church has lost its influence. Some as-

sert the church has failed in all its goals

and therefore is no longer relevant to the

life of the world and its needs.

Paul sets out to show the grand potential

of the church. The storehouse of God is

replete with endless treasure available to

the humblest believer. Paul declares that

there is a mighty power in reserve for the

church and the individual believer.

Think on the Writer:

"No man ever

lived who was a more earnest, energetic, and

self-sacrificing disciple of Christ than was

Paul. He was one of the world's greatest

teachers. He crossed the seas and traveled

far and near, until a large portion of the

world had learned from his lips the story

of the cross of

Christ."—Testimonies,

Vol.

4, p. 409.

LESSON OUTLINE

Faith, Love, and Prayer

Eph. 1:15, 16

Pray for Wisdom and Knowledge

Eph. 1:17

Hope of the Calling—Riches of

Glory

Eph. 1:18

Power to Believers

Eph. 1:19, 20

Grandeur and Majesty of His

Exaltation

Eph. 1:21

Eminence of Jesus in the Church

Eph. 1:22, 23

Part 1

FAITH, LOVE,

AND PRAYER

Eph. 1:15, 16

❑

Sunday

April 4

"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the

Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give

thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers."

Paul was quick to notice spiritual growth on the part of the

believers (1 Thess. 1:8; 2 Thess.

1:3, 4), and to express his

appreciation, as shown in the text before us. Believers respond

positively to words of appreciation. Appreciation finds entrance

to the heart. Understanding is of great value in stimulating

spiritual growth. "Wherefore" or "for this cause" refers to

previous comments, such as verse 8, where the wisdom and

prudence of the Ephesian Christians are mentioned.

How could the faith of the Ephesians have been re-

ported for Paul and others to hear about it? Why should

Paul be concerned about the welfare of these churches?

This letter was written from a Roman prison, and Paul had

reason to wonder about a church "consisting of Jews and

Gentiles, Asiatics and Europeans, slaves and freemen—all sym-

bols of a disrupted world that was to be restored to unity in

Christ."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6, p. 995.

As Paul heard of the Christian growth of the believers,

what was he led to do? Eph. 1:16.

Toward the Fullness of Christ

LESSON 2

THINK IT THROUGH

"Paul carried with him the atmosphere of heaven. . . . The

fact that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed, gave

convincing power to his preaching. Here lies the power of truth.

The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most

convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity.

Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposi-

tion; but a godly example has a power that it is impossible

wholly to resist."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages 510, 511.

Is the disunity of the world reflected in our individ-

ual lives? Could Jesus be the instrument of God's recon-

ciliation among individuals without affecting the disunity

among various groups in society and among nations?

"When we permit our communion

with God to be broken, our defense is

departed from us. Not all your good

purposes and good intentions will en-

able you to withstand evil. You must be

men and women of

prayer.

Your peti-

tions must not be faint, occasional, and

fitful, but earnest, persevering, and

constant. . . . Let the heart be contin-

ually uplifted in silent petition for help,

for light, for strength, for knowledge.

Let every breath be a prayer."—"The

Ministry of Healing," pages 510, 511.

Part 2

PRAY FOR WISDOM

AND KNOWLEDGE

Eph. 1:17

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Monday

April 5

"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of

glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and reve-

lation in the knowledge of Him."

The incarnation is involved in the expression "the God of

our Lord Jesus Christ." As the God-man, Jesus often referred

to God as "Father" (John 17:1), "Our Father" (Luke 11:2),

"My heavenly Father" (Matt. 18:35). These many expressions

identify Jesus with humanity. Thus "the Father of glory" is

both "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ" and "My God, and

your God." John 20:17.

"The Father of glory" suggests Stephen's "the God of

glory." Acts 7:2. The glory is part of the inheritance of the

saints in Eph. 1:18. Does the church always present the picture

of a group of saints in whom some form of this glory is seen?

"Wisdom and revelation." Does it require wisdom to under-

stand the revelation of God? Does it require divine guidance

to comprehend the revealed Word? Is this a reason for constant

and regular study of the Word in which God's wise plan of

salvation is revealed?

"It is contrition and faith and love that enable the soul to

receive wisdom from heaven. Faith working by love is the key

of knowledge, and everyone that loveth `knoweth God.' 1 John

4:7."—The Desire of Ages,

page 139.

Through prayer and study knowledge is gained, and in the

case of thee

ali6stle he is praying that others have knowledge.

What gifts does Paul pray for, for the Ephesians? By

praying to God for these gifts, what does he recognize?

"But there must be earnest study [of the Scriptures] and

close investigation. . . . And we cannot expect to gain spiritual

knowledge without earnest toil. Those who desire to find the

treasures of truth must dig for them as the miner digs for the

treasure hidden in the earth. . . . It is essential for old and

young, not only to read God's Word, but to study it with

wholehearted earnestness, praying and searching for truth as

for hidden treasure. Those who do this will be rewarded, for

Christ will quicken the understanding."—Christ's

Object Les-

sons,

page 111.

As we study the Bible, what assistance has been sup-

plied to give us understanding? Eph. 1:17; John 16:13.

In the past have we taken advantage of this help?

Toward the Fullness of Christ

LESSON 2

"A true knowledge of the Bible can

be gained only through the aid of that

Spirit by whom the Word was given.

And in order to gain this knowledge we

must live by it. All that God's Word

commands, we are to obey. All that it

promises, we may claim. The life which

it enjoins is the life that, through its

power, we are to live. Only as the Bible

is thus held can it be studied effec-

tively."—"Education," page 189.

Toward the Fullness of Christ

LESSON 2



❑

Tuesday

April 6

Part 3



"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;

HOPE OF THE that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and

CALLING—RICHES what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the

OF GLORY saints."

"I pray that your inward eyes may be illumined, so

that you may know what is the hope to which He calls

you, what the wealth and glory of the share He offers

Eph. 1:18 you among His people in their heritage." NEB.

The apostle prays that the believers may be ever mindful

of the significance of hope as a principle of life here and as a

reward and privilege in the hereafter. The Lord Jesus is our

hope. 1 Tim. 1:1. God is our guide and protector as we walk

through life. We follow the truth of God as our way of life.

Then at the end our hope for eternity will be fulfilled in the

second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

What is your understanding of the phrase: "Know

what is the hope of His calling"? Does the hope of your

calling inspire and encourage you?

Paul also prays that the believers remember the riches God

has for them. Humanity is attracted to riches, but it shuns

poverty. The lesson for us is to put our trust in God's riches

which are our inheritance. Qualitatively and quantitatively

God's riches amaze us as they are lavished on the believer by

an eternal and loving heavenly Father. Guidance into truth by

the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), redemption through the blood

of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18, 19), the mediatorial ministry of Christ

(1 Tim. 2:5), and everlasting life and happiness in the earth

made new are but a few of the riches which God has showered

on the believer.

THINK IT THROUGH

Name some riches of our God not mentioned in the

paragraph above.

In view of the times we live in, and in view of the

grace and love of God to the believer, what should be

the practical attitude of the church member to God's

riches and worldly riches? Eph. 1:18; Matt. 6:19-21.

"Having undertaken our redemption,

He will spare nothing, however dear,

which is necessary to the completion of

His work. No truth essential to our sal-

vation is withheld, no miracle of mercy

is neglected, no divine agency is left

unemployed. Favor is heaped upon fa-

vor, gift upon gift. The whole treasury

of heaven is open to those He seeks to

save. Having collected the riches of the

universe, and laid open the resources

of infinite power, He gives them all into

the hands of Christ, and says, All these

are for man. Use these gifts to con-

vince him that there is no love greater

than Mine in earth or heaven. His great-

est happiness will be found in loving

Me."—"The Desire of Ages," page 57.

Part 4

POWER TO

BELIEVERS

Eph. 1:19, 20

❑

Wednesday

April 7

"And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to

usward who believe, according to the working of His

mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He

raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right

hand in the heavenly places."

What analogy do you see between the resurrection power

in the case of Jesus, and "the exceeding greatness of His power

to usward"? How would you contrast the power required to

overcome weakness and sin in the believer and that required

to raise Jesus from the dead? Does the conquest of sin figure

in both cases?

"This same resurrection power is that which gives life to

the soul 'dead in trespasses and sins.' Eph. 2:1. That spirit of

life in Christ Jesus, 'the power of His resurrection,' sets men

'free from the law of sin and death.' Phil. 3:10; Rom. 8:2. The

dominion of evil is broken, and through faith the soul is kept

from sin. He who opens his heart to the Spirit of Christ be-

comes a partaker of that mighty power which shall bring forth

his body from the grave."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages 209, 210.

"Christ became one flesh with us, in order that we might

become one spirit with Him. It is by virtue of this union that

we are to come forth from the grave,—not merely as a mani-

festation of the power of Christ, but because, through faith,

His life has become ours. Those who see Christ in His true

character, and receive Him into the heart, have everlasting

life. It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the

Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning

of the life eternal."—Ibid., p. 388.

What assurance is given to struggling believers in

these verses? What is the proof of God's mighty power

in our lives? Could it be the condition described in 1 Cor.

13:4?

Toward the Fullness of Christ

LESSON 2

THINK IT THROUGH



In what sense does resurrection have meaning in this

mortal life? Rom. 6:1-1 1.

"The resurrection of Jesus was a sam-

ple of the final resurrection of all who

sleep in Him. The risen body of the

Saviour, His deportment, the accents of

His speech, were all familiar to His fol-

lowers. In like manner will those who

sleep in Jesus rise again. We shall know

our friends even as the disciples knew

Jesus. Though they may have been de-

3—A2Qt71

formed, diseased, or disfigured in this

mortal life, yet in their resurrected and

glorified body their individual identity

will be perfectly preserved, and we

shall recognize, in the face radiant with

the light shining from the face of Jesus,

the lineaments of those we love."—E. G.

White Comments, "SDA Bible Commen-

tary," Vol. 6, p. 1092.

Toward the Fullness of Christ

LESSON 2



❑

Thursday

April 8



Part 5



"Far above all principality, and power, and might,

GRANDEUR AND and dominion, and every name that is named, not only

MAJESTY OF in this world, but also in that which is to come."

HIS EXALTATION



Eph. 1:21



feared many "powers," good and evil. The stars represented

Every form of power is here intended. The ancient world

to them powers of all kinds. Angelic and demonic powers were

legion to them. For believers, the coming of Christ into the

world banished the fear of all evil powers, for Christ is Lord of

all. Compare Rom. 8:38, 39.

The heathen gods were graded, some greater or more evil

than others. Christ is "above all." Compare "angels, nor prin-

cipalities, nor powers" (Rom. 8:38), "angels and authorities

and powers" (1 Peter 3:22), et cetera.

The worship of angels appeared in some forms of later Ju-

daism, and the Christian leaders warned against this. (Col.

2:16-18. To them, Christ was the Supreme Person in the

universe, sitting at the right hand of God. Ps. 110:1. His name

is above every name and has an influence which cannot be

estimated for greatness. Revelation 5.

"His [Christ's] resurrection is a pledge of the resurrection of

the saints (Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:20-22), and His exaltation

a pledge of the final exaltation of the saints."—SDA

Bible

Commentary,

on Eph. 1:20.

"The same power that raised Christ from the dead will raise

His church, and glorify it with Him, above all principalities,

above all powers, above every name that is named, not only

in this world, but also in the world to

come."—The Desire of

Ages,

page 787.

How is the power of Christ compared to the other

powers in the universe? Compare Heb. 1:2, 3.

THINK IT THROUGH



The power of God is implied in the very name of

Jesus: Matt. 12:21; John 14:13; Phil. 2:9-11.

"The disciples were to carry their

work forward in Christ's name. Their

every word and act was to fasten at-

tention on His name, as possessing that

vital power by which sinners may be

saved. Their faith was to center in Him

who is the source of mercy and power.

In His name they were to present their

petitions to the Father, and they would

receive answer. They were to baptize

in the name of the Father, the Son, and

the Holy Spirit. Christ's name was to

be their watchword, their badge of dis-

tinction, their bond of union, the au-

thority for their course of action, and

the source of their success. Nothing was

to be recognized in His kingdom that

did not bear His name and superscrip-

tion."—"The Acts of the Apostles," page

28.

Toward the Fullness of Christ

LESSON 2

Part 6

EMINENCE OF

JESUS IN

THE CHURCH

Eph. 1:22, 23

❑

Friday

April

"And hath put all things under His feet, and gave

Him to be the head over all things to the church, which

is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all."

"In this passage these words fill up the picture of our Lord's

transcendent dignity, by the declaration of the actual subjuga-

tion of all the powers of sin and death, rising up against Him,

in the spiritual war which is to go on till the appointed end."

—Ellicott's

Commentary,

on Eph. 1:22.

Should this give courage to Christ's church on earth

today? In what way is "the church, which is His body"

affected by your exemplification of the Lordship of Christ?

"He walks in the midst of His churches throughout the

length and breadth of the earth. He watches them with intense

interest to see whether they are in such a condition spiritually

that they can advance His kingdom. Christ is present in every

assembly of the church. He is acquainted with everyone con-

nected with His service. He knows those whose hearts He can

fill with the holy oil, that they may impart it to others."—

Testimonies,

Vol. 6, pp. 418, 419.

In the plan of Heaven God-chosen men were to carry on

the work of the church under the direction of Deity. Jesus

chose twelve as those who should begin this ministry.

"These men He purposed to train and educate as the leaders

of His church. They in turn were to educate others and send

them out with the gospel message. That they might have suc-

cess in their work they were to be given the power of the Holy

Spirit. Not by human might or human wisdom was the gospel

to be proclaimed, but by the power of God."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

page 17.

THINK IT THROUGH



How should a reverent understanding of Christ's lead-

ership of the church affect our relationship to leaders and

members of that church today? Eph. 4:15, 16.

"Thus in His people He is glorified.

... The church, endowed with the righ-

teousness of Christ, is His depositary,

in which the riches of His mercy, His

grace, and His love, are to appear in

full and final display. Christ looks upon

His people in their purity and perfec-

tion, as the reward of His humiliation,

and the supplement of His glory,—

Christ, the great Center, from whom

radiates all glory."—"The Desire of

Ages," page 680.

Answers: (1) C; (2) the spirit of wisdom; (3) The hope of His calling, and the riches of the glory

of His inheritance; (4) Power of the resurrection; (5)

(6) The Head.

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LESSON 3

FROM SINNERS TO SAINTS

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which

God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Eph. 2:10.

Study Helps:

The Desire of Ages,

pages

31-38, 342-349;

SDA Bible Commentary.

The apostle Paul places great emphasis

on the importance of individual Christian

experience. He thought of individuals as in-

tegral parts of the whole church. The church

rises to a higher degree of spirituality to the

extent that its individual members become

more like their Lord in character.

Paul lived in a world of idol worshipers

with erroneous ideas. The anger of the false

gods was believed to be placated by the

works of the worshiper. Paul was anxious

to show the ancient world that his God was

not an angry idol, but a merciful, loving,

powerful Deity. The practice of good works

was popular and supposed to be meritorious,

and the people understood religion that

way. Now the time had come for the world

to unlearn this error and to learn about

divine grace and mercy as the only basis of

salvation.

Think on the Writer:

"He had been

strictly conscientious in his opposition to

Christ and His followers, and when he was

arrested and convicted of his sin [on the

road to Damascus], he immediately forsook

his evil ways, and professed the faith of

Jesus."—Ellen G. White,

Sketches From the

Life of Paul,

page 35.

LESSON OUTLINE

The Dead in Sin Made Alive

Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:12, 13

Worldlings Before; Believers Now

Eph. 2:2, 3

God's Mercy to Sinners

Eph. 2:4-7

Saved by Grace

Eph. 2:8, 9

Good Works—God's Purpose

Eph. 2:10

Profile of Symmetry

Col. 1:9-12

From Sinners to Saints

LESSON 3

Part 1

THE DEAD IN

SIN MADE ALIVE

Eph. 2:1;

Col. 2:12, 13

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Sunday

April 11

"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in tres-

passes and sins."

"Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are

risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God,

who hath raised Him from the dead. And you, being

dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh,

hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven

you all trespasses."

Whereas we were "dead in trespasses," we are now dead or

irresponsive to the promptings of sin. Does this mean that we

are no longer subject to temptation from hereditary human

nature? Or does it mean that we now have power to resist

temptation till the great day when "we shall all be changed"

from mortal to immortal?

"As God raised Christ from the dead, that He might bring

life and immortality to light through the gospel, and thus save

His people from their sins, so Christ has raised fallen human

beings from spiritual death, quickening them with His life,

filling their hearts with hope and joy."—E. G. White Com-

ments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6, p. 1115.

What experience comes to the sinner after his sins

have been forgiven? Through whom and by what process

does forgiveness come?

Forgiveness is a great act of divine mercy. Christ has brought

us a wonderful blessing in forgiveness. He is the only one who

can give us forgiveness. Acts 5:31; 4:12; 1 John 1:7, 9. For-

giveness comes in response to repentance, the first step in turn-

ing to God. Acts 3:19. We receive forgiveness through the

blood of Jesus. Matt. 26:28.

The believer after receiving forgiveness has a duty to others.

"Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

"Nothing can justify an unforgiving spirit. He who is un-

merciful toward others shows that he himself is not a par-

taker of God's pardoning

grace."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page

251.

When others offend us, what should the attitude of the

believer be? How should we forgive a brother? Matt.

6:12; 18:35.

"The light shining from the cross re-

veals the love of God. His love is draw-

ing us to Himself. If we do not resist

this drawing, we shall be led to the

foot of the cross in repentance for the

sins that have crucified the Saviour.

Then the Spirit of God through faith

produces a

new

life in the soul. The

thoughts i

—

deiires ar

—

brought into

obedience to the will of Christ. The

heart, the mind, are created anew in

the image of Him who works in us to

subdue all things to Himself."—"The De-

sire of Ages," page 176.

From Sinners to Saints

LESSON 3



❑

Monday

April 12

Part 2



"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the

WORLDLINGS course of this world, according to the prince of the power

BEFORE; of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of

BELIEVERS NOW disobedience: among whom also we all had our conver-

sation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the

desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature

Eph. 2:2, 3 the children of wrath, even as others."

In verse 2 Satan is indicated as responsible for the evil course

of this world. He claimed power over the world. Luke 4:6. He

is the great adversary and tempter of man. 1 Peter 5:8; 1 Thess.

3:5. He is the enemy. Matt. 13:39. He is the deceiver of the

whole world. Rev. 12:9. He is the father of lies. John 8:44.

In verse 3 the word "all" must include both Jews and

Gentiles. All are guilty before God. In the first chapter of

Romans there is an extensive exposition of the guilt of man

in the evil course of this world. "For the wrath of God is

revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteous-

ness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness." Rom. 1:18.

All through the exposition of evil in Romans 1:19-32 the per-

sonal pronoun is used to indicate the responsibility of men for

the evil in their lives.

Before becoming believers in the Lord, in what kind

of world had they walked? Explain the responsibility for

evil in the world.

THINK IT THROUGH

The Desire of Ages,

pages 36 and 37, there is an extensive

description of the world of the first century, from which a

few excerpts are taken:

"The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies

for depraving the souls of men had been put in operation."

"Bewildered and deceived, they were moving on in gloomy

procession toward eternal ruin,—to death in which is no hope

of life, toward night to which comes no morning." "The senses,

the nerves, the passions, the organs of men, were worked by

supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the vilest lust." "Sin

had become a science, and vice was consecrated as a part of

religion."

Meditate on the wonder of the plan of redemption

through Jesus Christ. Should we concentrate on what we

were in the past, or on what the present and future offer

us in Christ? Eph. 2:7.

"Satan's deceptive power was to be

broken. This could not be done by force.

. . . Only by love is love awakened.

To know God is to love Him; His charac-

ter must be manifested in contrast to

the character of Satan. This work only

one Being in all the universe could do.

Only He who knew the height and the

depth of the love of God could make

it known. Upon the world's dark night

the Sun of Righteousness must rise,

'with healing in His wings.' Mal. 4:2."

—"The Desire of Ages," page 22.

From Sinners to Saints

LESSON 3



❑

Tuesday

April 13



Part 3



"But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love

GOD'S MERCY wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in

TO SINNERS sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace

ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made

us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in

the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of

Eph. 2:4-7 His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."

Quickened. . . .

This word . . . and its simpler form . . .

refer to a change from death to life, a rebirth, a new life. As

Christ was quickened from the grave, so man is quickened

from spiritual death. It is God's purpose to bring man into a

new sphere, a new relationship in which he is governed by new

principles."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 2:5.

"Heavenly places." "If we are raised together with Christ,

and are 'in Christ Jesus,' and Christ is at the right hand of

God in heaven, then we, in that sense, are sitting with Him

in heaven."—/bid., on Eph. 1:3.

"God's love has been expressed in His justice no less than

in His mercy.. . . It had been Satan's purpose to divorce mercy

from truth and justice. He sought to prove that the righteous-

ness of God's law is an enemy to peace. But Christ shows that

in God's plan they are indissolubly joined together; the one

cannot exist without the other. . . .

"By His life and His death, Christ proved that God's jus-

tice did not destroy His mercy, but that sin could be forgiven,

and that the law is righteous, and can be perfectly obeyed.

Satan's charges were refuted."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 762.

Are the riches of God's grace extended to man in the

ages to come? in this life? or in both? What difference

in manifestation can you suggest?



THINK IT THROUGH



What do you understand by the idiomatic expression

"to sit together in heavenly places with Christ"? See

CoI. 3:1,2.

"And the years of eternity, as they

roll, will bring richer and still more

glorious revelations of God and of

Christ. . . . As Jesus opens before them

the riches of redemption and the amaz-

ing achievements in the great contro-

versy with Satan, the hearts of the ran-

somed thrill with more fervent devo-

tion, and with more rapturous joy they

sweep the harps of gold; and ten thou-

sand times ten thousand and thousands

of thousands of voices unite to swell

the mighty chorus of praise."—"The

Great Controversy," page 678.

From Sinners to Saints

LESSON 3



Wednesday

April 14



Part 4



"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that

SAVED BY GRACE not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest

Eph. 2:8, 9 any man should boast."

"It is grace on God's part and faith on man's part. Faith

accepts the gift of God. It is through the act of entrusting our-

selves to Him that we are saved, not that faith is the means

of our salvation, but simply the channel."—SDA

Bible Com-

mentary,

on Eph. 2:8.

How does the apostle describe salvation in Rom. 8:24,

25?

"Hope is an essential element of our salvation and must

never be omitted from our contemplation of what the Christian

life means. Faith accepts; but EirpreTpects. Faith is concerned

with Him who promises; but hope is occupied with the good

things promised. Faith appropriates; hope anticipates. It is in

the power of this hope which the New Testament calls `that

blessed hope' that we are to live and labor. Hope is always

centered on the coming of the Lord, and included in that, on

the resurrection from the dead with complete deliverance from

sin, likeness to Christ, and the full revelation of our sonship

to God in Him (1 Cor. 15:51-57 ; Phil. 3:20, 21; 1 Thess. 4:15-

17; 1 John 3:1, 2)."—W. H. Griffith Thomas,

St. Paul's Epistle

to the Romans,

page 222.

"He [Christ] saw that the weakness, the curse of the church,

would be a spirit of self-righteousness. Men would think they

could do something toward earning a place in the kingdom of

heaven. . . . Thus there would be an abundance of self and

little of Jesus. Many who had made a little advancement would

be puffed up and think themselves superior to others. They

would be eager for flattery, jealous if not thought most im-

portant. Against this danger Christ seeks to guard His disci-

ples."—Christ's Object Lessons,

pages 400, 401.

What three elements operate in our obtaining salva-

tion? Eph. 2:8. What is the initial and dominating factor

in our salvation? Eph. 2:4. How is boasting precluded?

Rom. 3:27.



THINK IT THROUGH



Name some reasons, besides the one below, why so

few accept this gracious gift.

"129pejitance is associated with faith,

and is urge in

in the gospel as essential

to salvation. Paul preached repentance.

. . . There is no salvation without re-

pentance. No impenitent sinner can

believe with his heart unto righteous-

4—A2Qt71

ness. . . . This repentance has in it

nothing of the nature of merit, but it

prepares the heart for the acceptance

of Christ as the only Saviour, the only

hope of the lost sinner."—"Selected Mes-

sages," Bk. 1, p. 365.

From Sinners to Saints

LESSON 3



111 Thursday

April 15

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus

unto good works, which God hath before ordained that

we should walk in them."

This verse shows clearly the reason why and where "good

works" figure in the Christian life. Christ initiates everything

by His grace, abolishing all enmity and uniting us, from what-

ever background, in one with Him. See verse 15.

What would men say to a new man created by Christ

if he did evil works? Do good works flow from man's will

to be good, or from inward Christian motives? Gal. 2:20.

"By their good works, Christ's followers are to bring glory,

not to themselves, but to Him through whose grace and power

they have wrought. It is through the Holy Spirit that every

good work is accomplished."—Thoughts

From the Mount of

Blessing,

page 80.

Is a man saved by his good deeds?

Where faith in the righteousness of Christ is the dominating

factor, then, good works always follow. Various aspects of good

works are seen in the following quotations:

"Each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven. Each is

to work in cooperation with Christ for the salvation of souls.

Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly

mansions than is the special place designated on earth where

we are to work for

God."—Christ's Object Lessons,

pages 326,

327.

"The rich Christian has a special opportunity to serve his

fellowmen and to show to the world the results of gra

When

non-Christians see the gracious unselfishness of rich Christians

they will naturally tend to have respect for the Christian way

of life, and may, indeed, turn to Christ. . . .

"The rich Christian is entrusted with a solemn responsibility.

The way he handles wealth will affect his spiritual cleyclopment

as well as the comfort of those less fortunate."—SDA

Bible

Commentary,

on 1 Tim. 6:18.

"God calls for those who will be workers together with

Him. . . Christ supplies the efficiency, and man becomes a

power for good. Truthfulness and integrity are attributes of

God, and he who possesses these attributes possesses a power

that is invincible."—Messages

to Young People,

page 35.

THINK IT THROUGH



At this late hour evil is rapidly approaching its climax.

Does this accentuate the necessity for, or the futility of,

good works? Heb. 10:24, 25.

Part 5

GOOD WORKS—

GOD'S PURPOSE

Eph. 2:10

"No one can give place in his own

heart and life for the stream of God's

blessing to flow to others, without re-

ceiving in himself a rich reward. The

hillsides and plains that furnish a chan-

nel for the mountain streams to reach

the sea suffer no loss thereby. That

which they give is repaid a hundred-

fold. For the stream that goes singing

on its way leaves behind its gift of

verdure and fruitfulness."—"Thoughts

From the Mount of Blessing," page 81.

From Sinners to Saints

LESSON 3



❑

Friday

April 16



Part 6



'"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do

PROFILE OF not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be

SYMMETRY filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and

spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of

the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good

work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strength-

ened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto

all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving

thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be



Col. 1:9-12



partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light."

How can man be "filled with the knowledge of His will in

all wisdom," et cetera?

"The 'knowledge' here spoken of is the 'full knowledge,' to

be attained in measure here, to be made perfect in heaven."—

Ellicott's

Commentary,

on Col. 1:9. This wisdom pertains to

the essentials of personal salvation.

Paul desired the Ephesian Christians to "come to under-

stand the height of the Christian's privilege. He opens before

them, in- the most comprehensive language, the marvelous

power and knowledge that they might possess as sons and

daughters of the Most High."—The

Great Controversy,

page

476.

"Some may say it

is exalting our own merits to expect favor

from God through our good works. True, we cannot buy one

victory with our good works; yet we cannot be victors without

them. The purchase which Christ recommends to us is only

complying with the conditions He has given us. True grace,

which is of inestimable value, and which will endure the test

of trial and adversity, is only obtained through faith and hum-

ble, prayerful

obedience."—Testimonies,

Vol. 4, p. 89.

How'many aspects of the Christian life are mentioned

in this text besides "every good work"? Name some good

deeds of others and the good effects of them.



THINK IT THROUGH



Think over your own Christian experience. Do you find

times when to do good deeds has cost you something?

Have you encouraged someone lately to continue to do

good deeds?

"Good works cost us a sacrifice, but

it is in this very sacrifice that they pro-

vide discipline. These obligations bring

us into conflict with natural feelings and

propensities, and in fulfilling them we

gain victory after victory over the ob-

jectionable traits of our characters. The

warfare goes on, and thus we grow in

grace. Thus we .



are prepared for

place among the blessed in the king-

dom of God."—"Testimonies/' Vol. 6,

pp. 262, 263.

Answers: (1) Quickened them; forgiven their trespasses; (2) Satan and sinners; (3) God called

after the sinner first; (4) A; (5) workmanship, good works, walk in them; (6) Power of God.

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LESSON 4

April 24

FROM CHAOS TO COMMUNITY

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the

blood of Christ." Eph. 2:13.

Study Helps:

The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 593-602;

The Desire of Ages,

pages

597-600;

The SDA Bible Commentary.

This lesson makes crystal clear that the

change from unbeliever to believer is a

reality. The contrast is sharp. The condition

before is ugly, hopeless, despairing, and

lost; that after is beautiful, hopeful, secure.

"Far off." That is in pagan or heathen

unbelief. Can a person be "respectable"

today and yet be "far off" from Christ?

Paul has other expressions indicating this

"far off" condition. For example: "aliens

from the commonwealth of Israel" (Eph.

2:12), "alienated and enemies" (Col. 1:21),

"alienated from the life of God" (Eph.

4:18). In what ways can you think of

alienated people today?

Think on the Writer:

"As Paul was

brought in direct contact with the idolatrous

inhabitants of Ephesus, the power of God

was strikingly displayed through him. . . .

"The manifestations of supernatural

power which accompanied the apostle's

work, were calculated to make a deep im-

pression upon a people given to sorcery.

. . . The miracles of Paul were far more

potent than had ever before been witnessed

in Ephesus, and were of such a character

that they could not be imitated. . . . Thus

the Lord exalted His servant, even in the

estimation of the idolaters themselves."—

Ellen G. White,

Sketches From the Life of

Paul,

pages 135, 136.

LESSON OUTLINE

Spiritual Chaos

Eph. 2:11, 12

Dawn of Community

Eph. 2:13-15

Christ, the Reconciler

Eph. 2:16-18

The High Privilege of Com-

munity

Eph. 2:19

Community Foundation

Eph. 2:20, 21

A Contributing Community

Eph. 2:22

From Chaos to Community

LESSON 4



❑

Sunday

April 18



Part 1



"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past

SPIRITUAL CHAOS Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by

that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made

by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being

aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers

from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and with-

Eph. 2:11, 12 out God in the world."

Does the victory of the gospel over these Gentiles have any

hopeful relevance to the conditions of the world today? Here

is a partial list of alienating influences we face in Christian

witness: heredity, poverty, ignorance, pride, love of money,

friendships. Can you add others?

"Without Christ. . . .

This is no condemnation of the Gen-

tiles, but simply an assertion of the fact that, being without

connection with the Messiah, they were without the source of

regenerative power....

"Strangers.

God made His covenants with Abraham and his

descendants (Gen. 12:3; 22:18). They were to make the cove-

nant privileges available to the Gentiles and to invite them to

participate in the worship of the true God. . . . They failed to

carry out God's plan, and the Gentiles remained 'aliens' and

`strangers.' Before Christ came, the knowledge of the 'cove-

nants of promise' was thus confined almost entirely to the

Jews.

"No hope.

The Gentiles had no hope in the Messiah, hence,

no hope for the blessings that would flow from Him. In the

catacombs of Rome the word `hope' is commonly found in

Christian inscriptions, but it is never found in the inscriptions

on heathen tombs.

"Without God. . . .

This is the ultimate in misery and loss.

The Gentiles were not atheistic in the sense of lacking gods, for

they had many gods. They were without the knowledge of the

true God, whose attributes are holiness, love, justice, and

mercy."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 2:12.

What were five conditions in the spiritual past of the

believers? Why did the apostle propose that they think

of their past?



THINK IT THROUGH



As you think of your past Christian experience, is it

helpful in the present and the future? If not, is there a

remedy?

"The uses of remembrance. . . .

I. It

tends to deepen the humility of saints

as well as to increase their godly sor-

row for sin. II. It tends to make us

grateful for our mercies and to make us

magnify the greatness and freeness of

divine love. . . . III. It tends to inspire

us with a stronger love for Christ. . . .

IV.

It tends to quicken us to greater zeal

and activity in the Lord's service. . . .

It tends to make us more hopeful of

the conversion of others who are now

what we once were as sinners."—"Pul-

pit Commentary," on Eph. 2:11, pp. 77,

78.

Part 2

DAWN OF

COMMUNITY

Eph. 2:13-15

❑

Monday

April

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far

off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our

peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down

the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished

in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments

contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain

one new man, so making peace."

The blood of Christ is spoken of as bringing us near. Look

up the following texts for other blessings the blood of Christ

brings to the believer: Rom. 5:9; Col. 1:14, 20.

"He is our peace. . . .

Christ is not only the peacemaker;

He Himself is peace, the bond of union and of peace. In Him

all the divisions of mankind are to be abolished. . . . By being

their peace before God, Christ effected peace between Jew and

Gentile... .

"Middle wall of partition. . . .

The imagery may have been

derived from the barrier in the Temple separating the court of

the Gentiles from the court of the Jews. . . . [In 1871 the stone

with the warning inscription from Herod's Temple, which is

now in the museum at Istanbul, was found. The inscription in

Greek translated into English is: 'No stranger (non-Jew) is to

enter within the balustrade around the Temple and enclosure.

Whoever is caught will be responsible to himself for his death

which will ensue.']

"Law of commandments.

This is generally thought of as

referring to the ceremonial law. .. . It was the interpretation the

Jews placed upon it, the additions they made to it, and the

exclusive and hostile attitudes they adopted as a result, that

were the basis of the hostility."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

Eph. 2:14, 15.

Name the blessings which now come to the believers

in their new condition "in Christ." Name some spiritual

benefits which are said to come to the believer "by the

blood of Christ."

From Chaos to Community

LESSON 4

THINK IT THROUGH



May we by our actions re-erect barriers that prevent

"access to God"? 1 Cor. 8:9, 11.

"All men are of one family by crea-

tion, and all are one through redemp-

tion. Christ came to demolish every wall

of partition, to throw open every com-

partment of the temple, that every soul

may have free access to God. His love

is- so broad, so deep, so full, that it

penetrates everywhere

. It lifts out of

Satan's circle the poor souls who have

been deluded by his deceptions. It

places them within reach of the throne

of God, the throne encircled by the

rainbow of promise."—"Christ's Object

Lessons," page 386.

See Gal. 3:28; Eph. 2:13.

❑

Tuesday

April 20



Part 3



"And that He might reconcile both unto God in one

CHRIST, THE body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and

RECONCILER came and preached peace to you which were afar off,

and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both

Eph. 2:16-18 have access by one Spirit unto the Father."

These verses complement the great passage on reconciliation

in 2 Cor. 5:18-21. The word "reconcile" shows two parties once

united, then separated by sin

—

alia now brought together again.

This involves the harmonious original creation, the fall, the

incarnation, and the whole plan of atonement.

"The reconciliation of God to man, and man to God, is sure

when certain conditions are

met."—Fundamentals of Christian

Education,

page 370. These conditions are faith in Christ as

our Sin Bearer, our representative before the Father, our Sus-

tainer and Redeemer.

"Came and preached peace." Jesus not only came and

preached peace; "He is our peace." Eph. 2:14. This peace in

our hearts is not just a pacific sentiment. It involves action in

the battle against sin—surrender to Christ, witness against

evil, work for others. It is peace of soul and personal commit-

ment in the struggle against all forms of evil.

"Access unto the Father." "We have access to God through

the merits of the name of Christ, and God invites us to bring

to Him our trials and temptations; for He understands them

all."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol.

6, p. 1116.

"We should all study carefully the instruction given in Co-

rinthians and Ephesians regarding our relation to one another

as members of the body of

Christ."—Testimonies to Ministers,

page 500.

What phases of reconciliation are mentioned in our

lesson today? Why is it important to the believer to have

access to the Father? John 4:23, 24.



THINK IT THROUGH



Is it important to be reconciled both to our fellowmen

and to God?

From Chaos to Community

LESSON 4

"One of Christ's last commands to

His disciples was 'Love one another as

I have loved you.' John 13:34. . . . If

we have in any way grieved or

wounded others, it is our duty to con-

fess our fault and seek for reconcilia-

tion. This is an essential preparation

that we may come before God in faith,

to ask His blessing."—"Christ's Object

Lessons," page 144.

See Matt. 18:15-17.

From Chaos to Community

LESSON 4

❑

Wednesday

April 21

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and for-

eigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the

household of God."

Membership in the household of God is "the goal of God's

ways with mankind! . . . For this end Jew and Gentile are

being gathered into one and compacted into a new humanity."

—The Expositor's Bible,

Vol. 6, p. 39.

Note that whereas the figure used in verse 19 is that of a

household, in verse 20 it becomes a building, with "Jesus Christ

Himself being the chief cornerstone." Thanks be to the Father

for the "household of God"!

"Strangers and foreigners. . .

The strangers . . were aliens,

but the foreigners . . . were half-aliens, residents having no

rights of citizenship and more properly called 'sojourners' (see

Acts 7:6,

29)."—SDA Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 2:19.

"Household of faith.

That is, the church (see 1 Sam. 3:15;

Eph. 2:19; 1 Peter 4:17). The church has an obligation to all

men everywhere (see Matt. 28:19, 20), but first to its own

members. This is true both in spiritual and in material matters.

The church cannot serve the world acceptably unless its own

house is in order."—Ibid., on Gal. 6:10.

From the chaos of a world divided into Jews, Gentiles,

strangers, foreigners, et cetera, Paul passes into an orderly

community for which he uses the words fellow citizens, saints

(holy ones), household of God. This all recalls God's original

plan to make Israel "an holy nation." Ex. 19:6. God can wait

and can change the details of His plans, but He always carries

out His basic purpose.

Part 4

THE HIGH

PRIVILEGE

OF COMMUNITY

Eph. 2:19

THINK IT THROUGH



Does the honor mentioned in the following quotation

describe the believers' real situation today?

"We should realize more clearly the

value of the promises God has made to

us, and appreciate more deeply the

honor He has given us. God can bestow

no higher honor upon mortals than to

5—A2Qt71

adopt them into His family, giving them

the privilege of calling Him Father.

There is no degradation in becoming

children of God."—"Fundamentals of

Christian Education," page 481.

From Chaos to Community

LESSON 4

Part 5

COMMUNITY

FOUNDATION

Eph. 2:20, 21

❑

Thursday

April 22

"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles

and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner-

stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together

groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord."

Here the heterogenous group of Jews, Gentiles, strangers,

foreigners, become the household of God. Paul's favorite meta-

phor for this change is "the temple of God," or the church as

a "building fitly framed together," et cetera.

Jesus expressed one of the great principles of the kingdom

when He said: "I will build My church; and the gates of hell

shall not prevail against it." Matt. 16:18. The believers in all

ages should be assured by this declaration. Compare 1 Cor.

3:9-17; 2 Cor. 6:16, where the unity of the church of Christ is

the great burden of the apostle.

"The prophets to whom God revealed the riches of His grace

and the apostles, the special evangels of this grace, constitute

the foundation. Other Christians make up the structure of the

building. This passage does not say that the church was to be

founded on one apostle, Peter, but upon all of them, with

Christ, the Chief Cornerstone.

"Chief corner stone.

This expression is found only here and

in 1 Peter 2:6, where the building is described as made of liv-

ing stones. . . . The cornerstone is viewed as that which holds

together an edifice. Christ holds together the various parts of

the spiritual house, giving shape and unity to it. The metaphor

is drawn from Ps. 118:22 and was applied by Christ to Him-

self (Matt.

21:42)."—SDA Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 2:20.

In 1 Peter 2:6, cited from Isaiah 28:16, we have "a Chief

Cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall

not be confounded."

THINK IT THROUGH



Does the church today owe anything to the builders

of the past? 1 Cor. 3:6, 7; Heb. 1:1, 2.

"One after another the foremost of

the builders fell by the hand of the

enemy. Stephen was stoned; James was

slain by the sword; Paul was beheaded;

Peter was crucified; John was exiled.

Yet the church grew. New workers took

the place of those who fell, and stone

after stone was added to the building.

Thus slowly ascended the temple of the

church of God. . . .

"Through the ages that have passed

since the days of the apostles, the build-

ing of God's temple has never ceased."

—"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 597,

598.

From Chaos to Community

LESSON 4



Friday

April 23



Part 6



"In whom ye also are builded together for an habita-

A CONTRIBUTING tion of God through the Spirit."

COMMUNITY



Eph. 2:22



the believers in spiritual victories. They have been reconciled,

We have seen how the apostle has traced the experience of

have access to the Father, are members of the "household of

God," they have a firm foundation, and then finally they are

informed that the community "groweth."

Now the apostle challenges them with the part they are to

act in the growth of the church. They are to be a contributing

community. They are called upon to perform their part in

making the "habitation of God." In 1 Peter 2:5, 9 they are

"lively stones" and "a chosen generation." What do all these

metaphors mean to you about believers? Do they convey the

idea of the importance and value of the church and the re-

sponsibilities of the believers?

Believers are to understand that they can build the church

by their influence for God, by good works to those in need, by

their testimony to others, by their faithful support of the

church, by fidelity to God and obedience to His Word.

"This building [the first temple] represents God's spiritual

temple, which is composed of material gathered out of every

nation, and tongue, and people. . . . They are living stones,

quarried out from the world by the truth; and the great

Master-Builder, the Lord of the temple, is now hewing and

polishing them, and fitting them for their respective places in

the spiritual temple. . . .

"The care shown in the building of the temple [of Solomon]

is a lesson to us regarding the care that we are to show in our

character building. No cheap material was to be used. No hap-

hazard work was to be done in matching the different parts.

Piece must fit piece perfectly. Just as God's temple was, so

must His church be."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SD A Bible

Commentary, Vol.

2, pp. 1029, 1030.

Of what did the apostle assure the Ephesians regard-

ing their status in the community? Eph. 2:19.



THINK IT THROUGH



In view of the faithfulness of the workers for God in

the past, what is our duty as members of the church

today?

"Through the ages that have passed

since the days of the apostles, the

building of God's temple has never

ceased. . . .

"Paul and the other apostles, and all

the righteous who have lived since then,

have acted their part in the building of

the temple. But the structure is not yet

complete. We who are living in this age

have a work to do, a part to act."—"The

Acts of the Apostles," pages 598, 599.

Answers: (1) "Having no hope, and without God in the world"; (2) By the blood of Christ; (3)

Christ; (4) fellow citizens, of the household of God; (5) Apostles and prophets, and Jesus Christ

the Chief Cornerstone; (6) Those whom God has chosen of every nation.

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MISSION - ITS CROSS AND ITS CROWN

"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2 Tim. 2:3.

Study Helps:

Steps

to Christ,

pages 87,

88;

The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 112-122,

155-165;

SDA Bible Commentary.

Most interesting and inspiring is the

aspect of church history which deals with

the church's sense of mission. This concept

is precious and uplifting to each member

of the church. To the minister and the

Christian worker it is dynamic, charged

with the power of God.

Mission has meant much to the Christian

church. It seems to have a different ap-

proach in each case, but each is alike in its

goals. One of the great tasks of the leaders

of the church is to maintain balance and

unity in fulfilling its mission.

Great numbers of men and women across

the centuries and in our own times have

gone across the world in mission for God.

Others have persevered at desolate and ob-

scure posts of duty for long and torturous

years. Sometimes God-authenticated mis-

sion seems not too heroic, but it is always

glorious in the end.

Think on the Writer:

"At the gate of

Damascus the vision of the Crucified One

changed the whole current of his life. The

persecutor became a disciple, the teacher a

learner. . . . To the desert of Arabia he

went, there to . . . learn of God."

Educa-

tion,

page 65.

LESSON OUTLINE

Call to Duty

Eph. 3:1-3

Mission Shared

Eph. 3:3-6

Mission Explained

Eph. 3:7

Grandeur of the Mission

Eph. 3:8, 9

Carrying on the Mission

2 Tim. 1:11, 12

Enduring the Suffering of the

Mission

2 Tim. 4:7, 8

Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown

LESSON 5



❑

Sunday

April 25



Part 1



"For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for

CALL TO DUTY you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the

grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that

Eph. 3:1-3 by revelation He made known unto me the mystery."

"For this cause." That is, because of the solid foundations

and beauty of Christ's church. This phrase occurs in verse 14

and in Titus 1:5, and in no other place in the New Testament.

Because of the blessings that have come to the community of

the saints, Paul prays for more.

"Dispensation of the grace of God." Does this mean his con-

version, his imprisonment, his preaching power to the Gentiles,

or his knowledge of truth?

Paul's example of prompt and unreserved obedience to his

commission can be followed (1 Cor. 11:1) by all of us in the

church. We shall do well to read again the references made to

his call to duty on the Damascus road (Acts 9:3-31; 22:6-21;

26:12-19) and meditate on the Christian principles involved.

To imitate his example will bring freshness and enrichment to

our Christian experience.

"The Saviour had spoken to Saul through Stephen, whose

clear reasoning could not be controverted. .



. He had wit-

nessed Stephen's forbearance toward his enemies and his for-

giveness of them. He had also witnessed the fortitude and cheer-

ful resignation of many whom he had caused to be tormented

and afflicted."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 116.

"For you Gentiles.

Paul was in prison because of his labors

for the Gentiles (Acts 21:28), particularly for his maintaining

that they were equally heirs to the promises. It was thus he

had gained the hatred of his own countrymen. His breadth of

vision leaped across all national barriers."—SDA

Bible Com-

mentary,

on Eph. 3:1.

"To you-ward.

That is, to the Gentiles (see Acts 9:15 ;

22:

21). His career and lifework consisted of entire commitment to

the service of others (Acts 26:17, 18; Rom.

1:5)."—Ibid.,

Eph. 3:2.

Who made the first favorable Christian impression on

Paul? Why was Paul a prisoner?



THINK IT THROUGH



In the circumstances of the conversion of Paul, how

was the authority of the church confirmed? Acts 9:15.

"Thus Jesus gave sanction to the au-

thority of His organized church and

placed Saul in connection with His ap-

pointed agencies on earth....

"He respects the means that He has

ordained for the enlightenment and

salvation of men; He directs sinners to

the church, which He has made a chan-

nel of light to the world....

"Christ is the fountain; the church is

the channel of communication."—"The

Acts of the Apostles," page 122.

Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown

LESSON 5

Part 2

MISSION

SHARED:•

Eph. 3:3-6

THINK IT THROUGH

Monday

April 26

"(As I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye

read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery

of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto

the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy

apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles

should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and par-

takers of His promise in Christ by the gospel."

Jews had no more extra privileges. Gentiles would suffer no

discrimination. The gospel now was to know no national bor-

ders. To the apostle this had been revealed by the Holy Spirit.

He now makes public announcement. Fellow heirs! Fellow

saints! Both are admitted to the church on equal footing; both

are children of God. Both would suffer with Christ and both

would reign with Him. Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:29.

What truth does the apostle now announce? To whom

was this truth revealed along with Paul? By whom was

it revealed? What three privileges did this revelation

give the Gentiles?

"The Saviour longed to unfold to His disciples the truth re-

garding the breaking down of the 'middle wall of partition'

between Israel and the other nations. . . . This truth was re-

vealed in part at the time when He rewarded the faith of the

centurion at Capernaum, and also when He preached the gospel

to the inhabitants of Sychar. Still more plainly was it revealed

. . . when He healed the daughter of the Canaanite woman.

These experiences helped the disciples to understand that among

those whom many regarded as unworthy of salvation, there

were souls hungering for the light of truth.

"Thus Christ sought to teach the disciples . . . that in God's

kingdom there are no territorial lines, no caste, no aristocracy.

. . . But not until later did they realize in all its fullness that

God `hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell

on all the face of the earth.'

"—The Acts of the Apostles,

pages

19, 20.

What can the individual Christian, whatever his social

or racial background, do today to eliminate the walls of

partition? Does the greeting of Ananias to Saul ("Brother

Saul," Acts 9:17) help us find the way?

"The same agencies that barred men

away from Christ eighteen hundred

years ago are at work today. ... Pride

and prejudice have built strong walls

of separation between different classes

of men. Christ and His mission have

been misrepresented, and multitudes

feel that they are virtually shut away

from the ministry of the gospel. But let

them not feel that they are shut away

from Christ. There are no barriers which

man or Satan can erect but that faith

can penetrate."—"The Desire of Ages,"

page 403.

Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown

LESSON 5

Part 3

MISSION

EXPLAINED

Eph. 3:7

❑

Tuesday

April 27

"Whereof I was made a minister, according to the

gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual

working of His power."

Paul was made a minister by divine appointment. Compare

Col. 1:23. The gospel ministry is a gift and an obligation. It is

an honor and will be rewarded. 1 Peter 5:2-4. He testifies to the

working of God's power in his experience. His conversion as

one who persecuted the saints was indeed extraordinary. He

recognized the working of the power of God in his call to the

ministry and his subsequent success. 1 Cor. 2:4; 2 Cor. 6:6.

He came to realize that the strength of God was "made perfect

in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9.

"Here, in the solitude of the desert, Paul had ample oppor-

tunity for quiet study and meditation. He calmly reviewed his

past experience and made sure

work

of repentance. He sought

God with all his heart, resting not until lie

—

krieiv

—

for a certainty

that his repentance was accepted and his sin pardoned. He

longed for the assurance that Jesus would be with him in his

coming ministry. He emptied his soul of the prejudices and

traditions that had hitherto shaped his life, and received instruc-

tion from the Source of truth. . . .

"When the mind of man is brought into communion with

the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite, the effect on body

and mind and soul is beyond estimate. In such communion is

found the highest education."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages

125,126.

"Throughout his later ministry, Paul never lost sight of the

Source of his wisdom and strength."—Ibid., p. 128.

How graciously did Paul acknowledge Peter's success

in labor for Christ? Gal. 2:8, 9: "Wrought effectually in

Peter." Compare Eph. 3:7, where Paul spoke of his own

work. Does grace make us gracious to all other men?

Does this build up Christ's church? Eph. 1:9-12.

THINK IT THROUGH



As we consider Paul's devotion to the cause of God

and his earnestness in its work, what does his example

inspire us to be and do?

"Paul's was a life of intense and

varied activities. From city to city, from

country to country, he journeyed, tell-

ing the story of the cross, winning con-

verts to the gospel, and establishing

churches. For these churches he had a

constant care, and he wrote many let-

ters of instruction to them. At times he

worked at his trade to earn his daily

bread. But in all the busy activity of

his life, he never lost sight of the one

great purpose,—to press toward the

mark of his high calling.

"Paul carried with him the atmo-

sphere of heaven. All who associated

with him felt the influence of his union

with Christ"—"Gospel Workers," pages

58, 59.

Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown

LESSON 5



❑

Wednesday

April



Part 4



"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is

GRANDEUR OF this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles

MISSION the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men

see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from

the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who

Eph. 3:8, 9 created all things by Jesus Christ."

Paul here presents the grandeur of the mission. He remembers

his persecution of the saints (1 Cor. 15:9), his human frailty,

his need of grace for the monumental task. He is amazed at

the truth he is to preach, its unity, its regenerating power. He

is to "make all men see" the importance of the gospel. 2 Cor.

5:10, 11. He is to develop fellowship and brotherhood in a

world of animosity and division.

"Even these words [Deut. 4:5-8] fail of expressing the great-

ness and the glory of God's purpose to be accomplished through

His people. Not to this world only but to the universe are we

to make manifest the principles of His

kingdom."—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, p. 13.

God uses men who have made mistakes, but who have re-

pented. Consider the case of the apostle Peter:

'Send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon.' Thus God

gave evidence of His regard for the gospel ministry and for

His organized church. The angel was not commissioned to tell

Cornelius the story of the cross. A man subject, even as the

centurion himself, to human frailties and temptations, was to

be the one to tell him of the crucified and risen Saviour.

"As His representatives among men, God does not choose

angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like

passions with those they seek to save. Christ took humanity

that He might reach humanity."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 134.

How did Paul consider himself? What were the two

characteristics of the message Paul was to preach to the

Gentiles? How long had this truth been hidden from the

notice of the world? See lesson texts.



THINK IT THROUGH



Is there something for the church to learn from the

call, the humility, the earnestness, and the success of the

apostle Paul? Mention a few lessons we ought to learn

from Paul's experience.

"As your soul yearns after God, you

will find more and still more of the

unsearchable riches of His grace. As

you contemplate these riches you will

come into possession of them and will

reveal the merits of the Saviour's sac-

6—A2Qt71

rifice, the protection of His righteous-

ness, the fullness of His wisdom, and

His power to present you before the

Father 'without spot, and blameless.'"

—"The Acts of the Apostles," page 567.

Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown

LESSON 5

❑

Thursday

April 29

"Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apos-

tle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause

I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed:

for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded

that He is able to

keep

that which I have committed unto

Him against that day."

In verse 10 Paul speaks of life and immortality brought to

light through the gospel, and now refers to that gospel "where-

unto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher."

These titles are referred to elsewhere relating to the glorious

gospel "committed to my trust." 1 Tim. 1:11; 2:7. Compare

Eph. 1:1.

He loved the people. 1 Cor. 16:24. He served the Lord with

humility. Acts 20:19. He was diligent and untiring in his

labors. 1 Thess. 2:9. He was not covetous. Acts 20:33. He

preached the cross of Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 2:2. He depended on

the prayers of the church. Rom. 15:30-32. He carried a burden

for all the churches. 2 Cor. 11:28. He was always planning

advance in the Lord's work. Rom. 15:24.

"The apostle felt that he was to a large extent responsible

for the spiritual welfare of those converted under his labors.

. . . Often in his ministry he would meet with little companies

of men and women who loved Jesus, and bow with them in

prayer, asking God to teach them how to maintain a living

connection with Him. Often he took counsel with them as to

the best methods of giving to others the light of gospel truth."

—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 262.

Describe some of the principles used by Paul in his

work. Are they valid and relevant to the work of the

gospel today? (For example, assurance of divine call;

also, a sense of God's power, as in Eph. 1:19.)

Part 5

CARRYING ON

THE MISSION

2 Tim. 1:11, 12

THINK IT THROUGH



Should not the churches in general urge young men

of talent to prepare for the ministry? In the days just

ahead many more ministers will be needed.

"Paul made it a part of his work to

educate young men for the gospel min-

istry. He took them with him on his

missionary journeys, and thus they

gained an experience that later en-

abled them to fill positions of respon-

sibility....

"This feature of Paul's work teaches

an important lesson to ministers today.

Experienced laborers do a noble work

when, instead of trying to carry all the

burdens themselves, they train younger

men, and place burdens on their shoul-

ders."—"Gospel Workers," page 102.

Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown

LESSON 5

Part 6

ENDURING THE

SUFFERING OF

THE MISSION

2 Tim. 4:7, 8

❑

Friday

April 30

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,

I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me

a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous

Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but

unto all them also that love His appearing."

Note some of the sufferings of the apostle as he carried out

his mission. They will give understanding of this wonderful

man as he carried on "in Christ." Jesus told His disciples that

they would be hated, persecuted, scourged, driven from one city

to another. "If they have persecuted Me, they will also perse-

cute you." John 15:20. See Matt. 10:17, 22. The apostle Paul

had his full measure of persecution and abuse. Acts 14:19, 20;

16:23 ; 2 Tim. 3:11 ; 2 Cor. 11:23-27. Do you think we in the

church today are ready for a repetition of this kind of persecu-

tion?

"Without money, without friends, without counsel, the aged

prisoner stood before Nero—the countenance of the emperor

bearing the shameful record of the passions that raged within;

the face of the accused telling of a heart at peace with God.

Paul's experience had been one of poverty, self-denial, and

suffering. Notwithstanding constant misrepresentation, reproach,

and abuse, by which his enemies had endeavored to intimidate

him, he had fearlessly held aloft the standard of the cross. Like

his Master, he had been a homeless wanderer, and like Him, he

had lived to bless humanity."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages

493, 494.

How many times was Paul beaten with stripes? With

rods? How many times was

stoned? How many times

was he shipwrecked? What was Paul's reaction to per-

secution for Christ's sake? 2 Cor. 11:23-30. Is persecu-

tion an unmixed evil or a blessing to the Christian and

to the church? Matt. 5:11, 12.

THINK IT THROUGH



Compare Col. 1:25, 26 and Eph. 1:1, 9 (the call of God

to Saul of Tarsus) with today's lesson scriptures, and say

what you think of the enduring qualities of man's faith.

"Amidst the constant storm of opposi-

tion, the clamor of enemies, and the

desertion of friends the intrepid apo-

stle almost lost heart. But he looked

back to Calvary and with new ardor

pressed on to spread the knowledge of

the Crucified. He was but treading the

blood-stained path that Christ had trod-

den before him. He sought no discharge

from the warfare till he should lay off

his armor at the feet of his Redeemer."

—"The Acts of the Apostles," page 297.

tit

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divine appointment; (4) Gentiles; (5) preacher, apostle, teacher; (6) good fight, my course, kept

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GOD'S PURPOSE VICTORIOUSLY FULFILLED

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strength-

ened with might by His Spirit in the inner man." Eph. 3:16.

Study Helps:

The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 399-418;

Prophets and Kings,

pages

229-234;

SDA Bible Commentary.

Our lesson this week is that the church

on earth is to have a large part in the vin-

dication of the wisdom and knowledge of

God as set forth in the plan of redemption.

The church is to be "a spectacle unto the

world, and to angels, and to men." 1 Cor.

4:9. Beings throughout the universe are to

see the working of God's grace, His mercy,

His forbearance, and His forgiveness operat-

ing for the redemption of sinners. They

will behold humanity (as many as will ac-

cept) rescued from their plight by Divinity.

Think on the Writer:

"He felt deeply

the danger that threatened those for whom

he had labored so earnestly, and he sought

as far as possible to supply by written

communications the place of his personal

instruction. He also sent out authorized

delegates to labor among the churches he

had raised up. . . . These messengers ren-

dered him faithful service, and being in

communication with them, he was informed

concerning the conditions and dangers of

the churches, and was enabled to exercise

a constant supervision over them."—Ellen

G. White,

Sketches From the Life of Paul,

page 281.

LESSON OUTLINE

Church Displays Wisdom of God

Eph. 3:10, 11

Providence in Tribulation

Eph. 3:12, 13

Paul's Challenge to Prayer

Eph. 3:14, 15

Strength in the Inner Man

Eph. 3:16, 17

Understanding the Love of

Christ

Eph. 3:18, 19

God's Abundance Available

to the Believer

Eph. 3:20, 21

God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled

LESSON 6

Part 1

CHURCH DISPLAYS

WISDOM OF GOD

Eph. 3:10, 11

❑

Sunday

May 2

"To the intent that now unto the principalities and

powers in heavenly places might be known by the church

the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal

purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

At creation the beings of other worlds were glad. Job 38:7.

Beings in heaven are concerned about the gospel cause. 1 Peter

1:12. One sinner converted stirs heaven. Luke 15:7. God pur-

poses to give the universe a demonstration of His love through

the church.

"By the church. . . .

The church was intended to be a living

demonstration of God's wisdom, even as a recovered patient is

a witness to the skill of the physician. . . . The church is not

so much an agent of the power and wisdom of God as it is a

proof or evidence of it. . .

"Manifold wisdom.

Especially as manifested in the work of

redemption. The wisdom of God is also shown in the manifold

forms in the material world, in the complexities of the human

mind, and in the innumerable methods He uses to reach men

and effect their salvation. The full extent of this wisdom will

not be understood until the plan of salvation is ended. . . .

"Christ Jesus our Lord. . . .

Paul reminds his readers that

the historic Jesus whom they acknowledged as Lord was the

Christ of the eternal purpose of God to effect man's salvation

and to vindicate His character. The unity his purpose calls for

requires complete submission of each believer's will to its Lord

and Master. . . The church that cannot fuse into unity and

a common devotion to its Lord faces certain defeat and rejec-

tion."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 3:10, 11.

Describe the interest of the supernatural beings in the

gospel cause on this earth. Eph. 3:10; 1:21; 6:12. Name

the parts of God's plan in which Jesus plays a leading

role. Eph. 1:11, 12.

THINK IT THROUGH



How are the believers connected with the "final and

full display of the love of God"? Does this mean that

each individual of each congregation is involved?

"The church is God's appointed

agency for the salvation of men. It was

organized for service, and its mission

is to carry the gospel to the world.

From the beginning it has been God's

plan that through His church shall be

reflected to the world His fullness and

His sufficiency. . . . The church is the

repository of the riches of the grace

of Christ; and through the church will

eventually be made manifest . . . the

final and full display of the love of

God."—"The Acts of the Apostles,"

page 9.

God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled

LESSON 6

Part 2

PROVIDENCE IN

TRIBULATION

Eph. 3:12, 13

❑

Monday

May 3

"In whom we have boldness and access with confi-

dence by the faith of Him. Wherefore I desire that ye

faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory."

"Boldness" was in speech and witness, as opposed to vain

boasting. Paul knew the cause of his tribulation was his preach-

ing the gospel. Col. 4:3; Phil. 1:13; 2 Tim. 2:8, 9. Bonds spread

the gospel. Phil. 1:15-18. Paul had written: "All things work

together for good." Rom. 8:28.

"The Faith of Him. . . . We

can come to God with boldness

only on the basis that we have faith in Christ as our Mediator.

He has been the only One •to bridge the gulf that has separated

man from God since the entrance of sin.. .

"Faint. . . .

The apostle in prison was anxious that his flock

be not disturbed by his plight. He was concerned, not so much

for his own sake, but for theirs. They might conclude that what

he had preached had little saving power in it; that the God in

whom Paul trusted was unmindful of His servant's fate; that

they themselves might soon face similar trials. Suffering cou-

rageously borne is doubly glorious when both onlookers and

sufferers draw virtue from it.

"Your glory.

Paul, like a good pastor, identifies himself with

his flock. If he finds glory in his tribulation, they will share it

with him. He is suffering on account of his exalted office as

apostle and ambassador of God, and the Ephesians are the fruit

of that apostleship. Hence they are entitled to reflect the glory."

—SDA Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 3:12, 13.

Name some of the conclusions of Paul regarding his

bonds. Eph. 3:12-14. What is the importance of access to

the throne of grace at such times? Heb. 4:16.

THINK IT THROUGH



What is the value of the belief in God's providence to

the Christian today? 2 Tim. 3:13-17. Do I trust in God's

providential leading in my life?

"Patience as well as courage has its

victories. By meekness under trial, no

less than by boldness in enterprise,

souls may be won to Christ. The

Christian who manifests patience and

cheerfulness under bereavement and

suffering, who meets even death itself

with the peace and calmness of an un-

wavering faith, may accomplish for the

gospel more than he could have ef-

fected by a long life of faithful labor.

Often when the servant of God is with-

drawn from active duty, the mysterious

providence which our shortsighted vi-

sion would lament is designed by God

to accomplish a work that otherwise

would never have been done."—"The

Acts of the Apostles," page 465.

Part 3

PAUL'S CHALLENGE

TO PRAYER

Eph. 3:14, 15

❑

Tuesday

May 4

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our

Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven

and earth is named."

The thought interrupted in verse 1 is resumed in verse 14.

The apostle's prayer acknowledges that all the saints, Jews

and Gentiles, are stones in the same temple. Eph. 2:19-22. He

expresses the grand reconciliation by Christ of all in the church.

Paul's admonition, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also

am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1), applies at least in part to his

example of dependence on prayer.

An enriching idea is introduced with the mention of the fam-

ily of God. This gives new honor to the family of the re-

deemed.

"The whole family. . . .

Paul appears to be speaking of unity

and seems to conceive of the beings in heaven and the saints on

earth as one large family. If the translation 'every family' is

adopted [instead of 'the whole family'] it seems necessary to

conceive of several families in heaven. Such the Scriptures do

not describe. It seems better therefore to adopt the reading 'the

whole family,' which conveys the sense of unity and whole-

ness of the community of God, the Father of all, a theme to

which the apostle frequently reverts."—SDA

Bible Commen-

tary,

on Eph. 3:15.

"To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave

His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family,

forever to retain His human nature. . . . He who is 'holy, harm-

less, undefiled' . . . is not ashamed to call us brethren. Heb.

7:26; 2:11. In Christ the family of earth and the family of

heaven are bound together. Christ glorified is our Brother."

—The Desire of Ages,

pages 25, 26.

In whom is the family on earth united to the family

in heaven? Eph. 3:15. What are the responsibilities of

belonging to this family? 1 John 2:3, 4. The privileges?

1 John 2:5; 5:14, 15.

God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled

LESSON 6

THINK IT THROUGH



What is the significance of the worship of the family

on earth?

"The church of God below is one

with the church of God above. Believers

on the earth and the beings in heaven

who have never fallen constitute one

church.... In the inner court of heaven

they listen to the testimony of the wit-

nesses for Christ in the outer court on

earth, and the praise and thanksgiving

from the worshipers below is taken up

in the heavenly anthem, and praise and

rejoicing sound through the heavenly

courts because Christ has not died in

vain for the fallen sons of Adam."—

"Testimonies," Vol. 6, p. 366.

God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled

LESSON 6

Part 4

STRENGTH IN

THE INNER MAN

Eph. 3:16, 17

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Wednesday

May 5

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of

His glory, to be strengthened with might by His spirit in

the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by

faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love."

"Strengthened with might.

The might that strengthens is the

power of God. The power is conveyed through the operation of

the Holy Spirit. The same power that converts men must con-

tinue in them if there is to be Christian growth. . . . As the

physical strength is increased by food and the intellectual life

by thought, so the spiritual life is sustained by the immediate

presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

"In the inner

man. The Greek suggests power entering into

and remaining there. The vital spiritual powers within a man

have not sprung from his own nature; he has nothing of his

own to offer, nothing of his own of which to boast. . . .

"By faith.

It is faith that opens up the heart of Christ. Faith

is a confident trust in God and His promises, and is a contin-

uously sustaining principle of life."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 3:16, 17.

Keeping the words of Christ is closely connected with having

the indwelling Christ. John 14:23. If an individual has love

iiclig

—

liFai

617

—

an endowment of great value. 1 John 4:7.

What is promised to the believer who obeys the words

of Christ? What will be the blessing of one who has love

rooted in his heart?

"The plant grows by receiving that which God has provided

to sustain its life. It sends down its roots into the earth. It

drinks in the sunshine, the dew, and the rain. . . . So the

_Christian is to grow by cooperating with the divine agencies.

Feeling our helplessness, we are to improve all the opportunities

granted us to gain a fuller experience. As the plant takes root

in the soil, so we are to take deep root in Christ. As the plant

receives the sunshine, the dew, the rain, we are to open our

hearts to the Holy

Spirit."—Christ's Object Lessons,

pages

66, 67.

Have you ever thought of the revival and reform that

would come to our own lives, and those of others, if we

were to bring fully into our lives the principle of love?

1 John 5:1-5.

"In the contemplation of Christ we

linger on the shore of a love that is

measureless. We endeavor to tell of

this love, and language fails us. We

consider His life on earth, His sacrifice

for us, His work in heaven as our ad-

7—A2Qt71

vocate, and the mansions He is prepar-

ing for those who love Him; and we can

only exclaim, 0 the height and depth

of the love of Christ!"—"The Acts of the

Apostles," pages 333,334.

Part 5

UNDERSTANDING

THE LOVE

OF CHRIST

Eph. 3:18, 19

[11 Thursday

May 6

"May be able to comprehend with all saints what is

the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to

know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that

ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."

The goal of the apostle for the saints is to know the love of

Christ experimentally. His love for us is dynamic (Gal. 2:20) ; it

impels to duty (2 Cor. 5:14) ; it has a relation with the com-

mands of Jesus (John 15:10) ; and it is abundant (1 Tim.

1:14). The love of Christ is of fundamental importance to all

believers in their conversion and growth in spiritual things.

"May be able.

The subject to be grasped is beyond ordinary

comprehension; therefore Paul prays that his hearers may re-

ceive a special enabling power for the attainment of it. . . .

"All saints.. . .

There are certain spiritual transactions that

take place only in the individual heart, but there are other

matters that belong to the community of God, and this com-

prehension of the love of Christ is one of them. It is the com-

mon possession that binds believers together. .

"Love of Christ.

Here, apparently, not our love for Christ,

but His love for us. . .

"Fullness of God. . . .

Paul is presenting a most exalted view

of the nature of man and of his possibilities for growth in

grace. . . The blessings of God are not parceled out parsi-

moniously. They lead to an ever-increasing comprehension of

the mind of God, to a filling up of the void and empty places

in men's lives with spiritual power."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 3:18, 19.

"The contemplation



of the matchless depths of a Saviour's

love "gliFilld fillthrEind, touch and melt the soul, refine and

elevate the affections, and completely transform the whole

character."—Testimonies,

Vol. 2, p. 213.

What characteristics of the love of Christ do you see

in the words "breadth," "length," "depth," and "height"?

How does the love of Christ affect our lives? Can we love

Christ and remain unconcerned about other men's wel-

fare?

God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled

LESSON 6

THINK IT THROUGH



How great should the influence of the love of Christ be

in our daily lives? Will others perceive its effects in our

deeds and words?

"With untold love our God has loved

us, and our love awakens toward Him

as we comprehend something of the

length and breadth and depth and

height of this love that passeth knowl-

edge. By the revelation of the attrac-

tive loveliness of Christ, by the knowl-

edge of His love expressed to us while

we were yet sinners, the stubborn heart

is melted and subdued, and the sinner

is transformed and becomes a child

of heaven."—"Thoughts From the Mount

of Blessing," pages 76, 77.

God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled

LESSON 6

Part 6

GOD'S ABUNDANCE

AVAILABLE TO

THE BELIEVER

Eph. 3:20, 21

❑

Friday

May 7

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abun-

dantly above all that we ask or think, according to the

power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the

church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without

end. Amen."

In the doxology here Paul gathers up all that God has done

for us through Christ. Compare other New Testament doxol-

ogies: Rom. 16:25-27; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Jude 24, 25. Divine

grace toward the saints is beyond human thought; hence, such

expressions as "exceeding abundantly." God has great and vast

power that works in the believers. Accomplishment of His pur-

poses is a mark of His greatness. Rom. 4:21; 2 Cor. 9:8. These

words filled the church with high spiritual courage as they

realized the approaching dangers (Acts 20:29, 30), persecutions

in the present and future (2 Thess. 1:4), and in the great task

of building up the work of God (Eph. 2:21, 22). "God is able"

has been the cry of the people of God through the centuries.

Dan. 3:17; Matt. 3:9; 2 Cor. 9:8. We know He is able also

in our day.

"The Lord Jesus seeks the cooperation of those who will

become unobstructed channels for the communication of His

grace. The first thing to be learned by all who would become

workers together with God is the lesson of self-distrust; then

they are prepared to have imparted to them the character of

Christ....

"It is not the highest work of education to communicate

knowledge merely, but to impart that vitalizing energy which

is received through the contact of mind with mind, and soul

with soul. It is only life than can beget life."—The

Desire of

Ages,

pages 249, 250.

Give some examples of what God has been able to

do for His people in past time. John 6:31; 1 Cor. 10:1-4.

What is the extent of divine ability to bless the believer

with His power? Ps. 23. What is the connection between

the church and the glory of God? Matt. 5:16.

THINK IT THROUGH



Name some of the obstacles to being useful in doing

good to others. What are the characteristics which fit one

for doing maximum good?

"He who loves Christ the most will

do the greatest amount of good. There

is no limit to the usefulness of one who,

by putting self aside, makes room for

the working of the Holy Spirit upon his

heart, and lives a life wholly conse-

crated to God. If men will endure the

necessary discipline, without complain-

ing or fainting by the way, God will

teach them hour by hour, and day by

day. . . . If His people will remove the

obstructions, He will pour forth the

waters of salvation in abundant streams

through the human channels."—"The

Desire of Ages," pages 250, 251.

God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled

LESSON 6



May

Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS

A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER

To whom is the "manifold wisdom of God" to be made known? (A) To

the apostles and prophets, (B) to the powers of earth, (C) to the powers in

heavenly places.

What did Paul think was the cause of his having been made a prisoner?

(A) The Roman government, (B) the opposition of the Jews, (C) his preach-

ing of the gospel.

Of whom is the family of God composed)



Complete: "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory,

to be strengthened with might



Complete: "And to know the love of Christ,



, that you may be filled with



To what degree is God able to help the believer)



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UNITY--SOURCE OF PEACE AND PROGRESS

"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me

through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I

in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou

hast sent Me." John 17:20, 21.

Study Helps:

Testimonies,

Vol.

pp.

236-248;

Steps to Christ,

chapter, "Grow-

ing Up Into Christ";

SDA Bible Commen-

tary.

This week we are to study the important

subject of unity. For the church, unity has

always been an important principle, in all

its aspects. In fact, unity among the be-

lievers and between the believers and God,

in the church as a whole, is an imperative

for final triumph. Quite generally unity has

been a requisite for advancement and prog-

ress. Unity strengthens, division weakens.

Unity produces peace, while division pro-

motes frustration.

Think on the Writer:

"The news he re-

ceived, of apostasy in churches of his own

planting, caused him deep anguish. He

greatly feared that his efforts in their be-

half would prove to have been in vain.

Many a sleepless night was spent in prayer

and earnest thought, as he learned of the

new and varied methods employed to coun-

teract his work. As he had opportunity, he

wrote to the churches, giving reproof, coun-

sel, admonition, and encouragement, as their

state demanded."—Ellen G. White,

Sketches

From the Life of Paul,

page 147.

LESSON OUTLINE

Challenge of Unity

Eph. 4:1-3

Basis of Unity

Eph. 4:4-7

Gifts of the Spirit for Unity

Eph. 4:8-1 1

Fulfillment of God's Purposes

Through the Gifts

Eph. 4:12, 13

Spiritual Strength From Unity

Eph. 4:14, 15

A Growing, Enlarged Church

Eph. 4:16

Unity—Source of Peace and Progress

LESSON 7



❑

Sunday

May 9



Part 1



"1 therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that

CHALLENGE ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

OF UNITY with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering,

forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the



Eph. 4:1-3



unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

The groundwork of unity is the personal relationship be-

tween each believer and the "one God, the Father ... ; and one

Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 8:6. The apostle now calls the atten-

tion of the believers to the components of the Christian way

in some detail: lowliness, meekness, long-suffering, forbearance.

In his writings mention is made frequently of the calling of the

believer. 1 Cor. 7:20; Phil. 3:14; 2 Thess. 1:11; Heb. 3:1.

Gracious Christian practice is to endeavor "to keep the unity

of the Spirit." Effort and diligence through the grace of God

bring unity.

"The apostle exhorts his brethren to manifest in their lives

the power of the truth which he had presented to them. By

meekness and gentleness, forbearance and love, they were to

exemplify the character of Christ and the blessings of His

salvation."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 239.

"The meekness and lowliness of Christ is the Christian's

power. It is indeed more precious than all things which genius

can create or wealth can buy. Of all things that are sought,

cherished, and cultivated, there is nothing so valuable in the

sight of God as a pure heart, a disposition imbued with thank-

fulness and peace."—Ibid., Vol. 4, p. 559.

What does the apostle emphasize as the concern of the

believer? Eph. 4:3. Describe what he writes about the

calling of the Christian in the texts given above. By what

path is unity to be kept in the congregation?



THINK IT THROUGH



Was unity of great importance only for the church of

Paul's time, or is it likewise needed in the church today?

Am I doing everything to promote unity among the

brethren of the church?

"As members of the body of Christ

all believers are animated by the same

spirit and the same hope. Divisions in

the church dishonor the religion of

Christ before the world and give oc-

casion to the enemies of truth to justify

their course. Paul's instructions were

not written alone for the church in his

day. God designed that they should be

sent down to us. What are we doing

to preserve unity in the bonds of

peace?"—"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 239.

Unity—Source of Peace and Progress

LESSON 7



❑

Monday

May



Part 2



"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are

BASIS OF UNITY called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith,

one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above

all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one

of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift

Eph. 4:4-7 of Christ."

"One body. . . .

The Christian is not a solitary pilgrim; he

belongs to a vital organism, the family of God. This unit re-

places the state, the club, and even the human family as the

supreme object of his attachment.

"One Spirit. . . .

The Spirit dispels the divisions within a

man's own life, the inner disharmonies that make of so many

lives veritable battlefields. Disunity is a certain sign that the

Holy Spirit is absent.

"One hope. . . .

The Spirit validates this hope. . . Such a

hope necessarily leads to the transformed life. . . .

"One Lord. . .

Those who give complete submission and

allegiance to the same Lord are not at enmity with one another.

He is Lord by creation and by re-creation, and all authority

rests with Him... .

"One faith.

Paul seems here to be speaking of subjective faith

in Christ as a personal Saviour rather than of faith as a creedal

system. . . . There is only one means of salvation, namely,

faith....

"One baptism.

Baptism by water aptly symbolizes death

and resurrection. Also, it signifies cleansing and separation, and

is a public announcement of union with the body of Christ.

Those thus initiated into the visible church grow together into

the likeness of Christ's death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-5).

"One God and Father of all. . . .

The common Father is the

source of all unity. The greatest fact that the human heart can

discover is that God is a Father who can be trusted, one who

is a friend to

man."—SDA Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 4:4-6.

Describe these seven concepts which support Christian

unity and their relation to the individual believer. What

additional concept is given by the apostle in verse 7?



THINK IT THROUGH



Why do the spirit of prophecy writings give repeated

warnings against those whose actions tend to disrupt or

disunite the church?

"By the influence of the Spirit, the

most discordant may be brought into

harmony. Unselfishness is to bind God's

people together with firm, tender

bonds. There is a vast power in the

church when the energies of the mem-

bers are under the control of the Spirit,

gathering good from every source,

educating, training, and disciplining

self. . . . Thus heaven and earth are

connected, and all divine agencies co-

operate with human instrumentalities."

—"My Life Today," page 39.

Unity—Source of Peace and Progress

LESSON 7



❑

Tuesday

May



Part 3



"Wherefore He said, When He ascended up on high,

GIFTS OF THE He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now

SPIRIT FOR that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended

UNITY first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended

is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens,

that He might fill all things.) And He gave some, apostles;

and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some,



Eph. 4:8-11



pastors and teachers."

The reference in verse 8 is to Psalm 68:18, traditionally con-

nected with the moving of the ark to Mount Zion. Hence, the

victory of the church is attributed to God's enabling power.

Wisdom and power (1 Cor. 1:24; Rom. 1:16) are given for the

accomplishment of God's purpose. There are functions to be

performed by the believers through God's grace, for the ac-

complishment of unity. 1 Cor. 1:10; 13:11; Phil. 1:27.

By what symbolic act did Jesus confer the Holy Spirit on

His disciples? John 20:22. This was a promise, for "not until

after the ascension was the gift received in its fullness."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 327.

"Christ determined that when He ascended from this earth,

He would bestow a gift on those who had believed on Him,

and those who should believe on Him. . . . It must be worthy

of His greatness and His royalty. He determined to give His

representative, the Third Person of the Godhead. This gift

could not be excelled. He would give all gifts in one, and

therefore the divine Spirit, that converting, enlightening, and

sanctifying power, would be His donation."—Ellen G. White

Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6, pp. 1052, 1053.

Is the list of gifts in Ephesians 4:11 complete, or does

it indicate that all necessary gifts will be forthcoming

when the church needs them? Compare the list in 1 Co-

rinthians 12:28. What attitude of the believer will aid in

preserving unity in the church?

THINK IT THROUGH



In what way does the ministry of the church have rele-

vance in our day? What significant truth is made known

in the paragraph that follows?

"The Lord has His appointed agen-

cies, and a church that has lived

through persecution, conflict, and dark-

ness. Jesus loved the church, and gave

Himself for it, and He will replenish,

refine, ennoble, and elevate it, so that

it shall stand fast amid the corrupting

influences of this world. Men appointed

of God have been chosen to watch with

jealous care, with vigilant persever-

ance, that the church may not be over-

thrown by the evil devices of Satan,

but that she shall stand in the world

to promote the glory of God among

men."—"Testimonies to Ministers,"

pages 52, 53.

Unity—Source of Peace and Progress

LESSON 7



❑

Wednesday

May 12



Part 4



"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the

FULFILLMENT OF ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we

GOD'S PURPOSES all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge

THROUGH THE GIFTS of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure



Eph. 4:12, 13



of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

"Perfecting." "To perfect"

(katartizio)

signifies either (1) to

mend what is broken, as in Matt. 4:21, or (2) to complete what

is unfinished, as in 1 Thess. 3:10. Continual growth and devel-

opment in loyalty and character is implied and not the reaching

of an ultimate perfection beyond which nothing more can be

attained in this life.

Peter writes: "Feed the flock" and gives other thought-

provoking suggestions (1 Peter 5:2, 3). What is to be the atti-

tude of the believer toward the minister? (Heb. 13:7, 17).

"They [those endued with power at Pentecost] were com-

pelled to strive with all their God-given powers to reach the

measure of the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.

Daily they prayed for fresh supplies of grace, that they might

reach higher and still higher toward perfection. Under the Holy

Spirit's working even the weakest, by exercising faith in God,

learned to improve their entrusted powers and to become sanc-

tified, refined, and ennobled."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages

49, 50.

"There must be a continual advancement. Step by step His

followers must make straight paths for their feet, lest that

which is lame be turned out of the way. Those who would

labor for God must work intelligently to replenish the defi-

ciencies in themselves and glorify the Lord God of Israel by

standing in the light, working in the light of the Sun of Righ-

teousness. Thus they will carry the church forward and up-

ward and heavenward, making its separation from the world

more and more

distinct."—Testimonies to Ministers,

page 406.

What goal does the apostle hold before the church

members and the ministry? In what way should the min-

istry and the believers work and worship together? How

zealous were those at Pentecost in cooperating with the

Spirit? Acts 2:46, 47.



THINK IT THROUGH



In God's work what is the part of the ministry? Of the

believers? Is our church doing its part?

"In sending forth His ministers our

Saviour gave gifts unto men, for

through them He communicates to the

world the words of eternal life. This is

the means which God has ordained for

the perfecting of the saints in knowl-

edge and true holiness....

"All who have been benefited by the

labors of God's servant should, accord-

ing to their ability, unite with him in

working for the salvation of souls. This

is the work of all true believers, min-

isters and people. They should keep

the grand object ever in view."—"Testi-

monies," Vol. 5, pp. 237, 238.

Unity—Source of Peace and Progress

LESSON 7



❑

Thursday

May



Part 5



"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to

SPIRITUAL and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine,

STRENGTH by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby

FROM UNITY they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head,



Eph. 4:14, 15



even Christ."

Christians should be alert for deception. Paul often men-

tions this seriously. 1 Cor. 3:18, 19; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:13, 14;

Col. 2:8.

Growth in spiritual things is a goal set before believers. It

is a part of the advantages to be reaped from unity in the

Spirit. Paul thanks God for one of the churches which has

grown in faith. 2 Thess. 1:3. To another he recommends grow-

ing as a part of Christian experience. Col. 1:10. He urges unity

as essential. See 1 Thess. 3:12, 13.

"The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day

was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness.

In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth

has been proved •to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It

does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness."—The

Desire

of Ages,

page 309.

"Self-righteousness is not true righteousness, and those who

cling to it will be left to take the consequences of •holding a

fatal deception. Many today claim to obey the commandments

of God, but they have not the love of God in their hearts to

flow forth to

others."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page 279.

"There can be no life without growth. The plant must either

grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but con-

tinuous, so is the growth of character. At every stage of de-

velopment our life may be perfect; yet if God's purpose for us

is fulfilled, there will be constant advancement."—Education,

pages 105, 106.

Name the main points of emphasis of today's lesson.

Name some of the effects of deception. How are the laws

of spiritual growth like those for the growth of plants?

Jer. 17:7, 8.



THINK IT THROUGH



Is the goal of spiritual growth an imperative for the

Christian?

"Our growth in grace, our joy, our

usefulness,—all depend upon our union

with Christ. It is by communion with

Him, daily, hourly,—by abiding in Him,

—that we are to grow in grace... . It

is Christ first and last and always. He

is to be with us, not only at the begin-

ning and the end of our course, but at

every step of the way."—"Steps to

Christ," page 69.

Unity—Source of Peace and Progress

LESSON 7



❑

Friday

May



Part 6



"From whom the whole body fitly joined together and

A GROWING, compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according

ENLARGED CHURCH to the effectual working in the measure of every part,

maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself

Eph. 4:16 in love."

The church is an institution that is to experience growth

and enlargement. Increase, enlarge, grow, advance, and build

were the ideals Paul cherished. Growth of the whole body was

to be accomplished through the efforts of the parts. He had

seen the church enlarge from Palestine and Syria to Asia Minor

(Acts 13), from Asia to Macedonia (Acts 16:9), and from

Macedonia to Achaia (1 Thess. 1:7). In true apostolic style

and courage he places before the Ephesian believers this image

of the future.

"Fitly joined together" is the same as "fitly framed to-

gether," as bonded together in a building. This is a striking

symbol for church unity. The body is compacted by the con-

tribution provided by every single joint or member.

"Fitly joined. . . .

Growing up into Him assures vitality

flowing from Him into the members of the body, which are

closely joined together. It is thus that persons of greatly varying

gifts are able to work together. . . .

"Maketh increase. . . .

It is a twofold increase—growth of

the church in numbers and of the individual in the spiritual

graces."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 4:16.

Describe the goals of the apostle as expressed in our

Scripture. How had the gospel gone from country to coun-

try in the time of Paul as described in the texts in the

above paragraph? Of what did the final objective of the

apostle consist?



THINK IT THROUGH



According to our text, how is the worldwide mission

of the church to be accomplished? Compare Matt. 28:

19,20.

"Christ's followers are to be more

than a light in the midst of men. They

are the light of the world.... As Christ

is the channel for the revelation of the

Father, so we are to be the channel for

the revelation of Christ. While our Sav-

iour is the great source of illumination,

forget not, 0 Christian, that He is re-

vealed through humanity. . . . The

church of Christ, every individual disci-

ple of the Master, is heaven's appointed

channel for the revelation of God to

men. Angels of glory wait to commu-

nicate through you heaven's light and

power to souls that are ready to per-

ish."—"Thoughts From the Mount of

Blessing," page 40.

"Truth is, no doubt, the basis of

unity; but love is its vital power, at

once keeping together all who are

united, and drawing in those who are

as yet separated."—Ellicott's "Commen-

tary," on Eph. 4:16.

Unity—Source of Peace and Progress

LESSON 7



May 15

Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS

A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER

Paul earnestly implored the Ephesian believers "to keep the



of the Spirit in the

What are the two first reasons mentioned in support of unity in the church?

When Jesus ascended up on high, what did He bestow on men?



Complete: "For the perfecting of the



, for the work of the

, for the edifying of the



Complete: "But speaking the truth in love,



into Him in



, which is the head, even Christ."

What is the twofold increase envisaged in unity in the church

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PUTTING OFF THE OLD, PUTTING ON THE NEW

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even

as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Eph. 4:32.

Study Helps:

The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 469-484;

Testimonies,

Vol. 8, pp. 239-

254;

SDA Bible Commentary.

The apostle well understood the impor-

tance of spiritual maturity and experience

in the believer. He proceeded to give in-

struction to the saints as to what they

should be and do in their role in the church

with a message to all the world. Paul knew

that a deeply spiritual church is composed

of deeply spiritual members.

The apostle knew as well that knowledge

must precede spirituality. He felt the bur-

den, and rightly so as an apostle, that he

should give them instruction. He undoubt-

edly recognized that instruction which is

written has many advantages over that

which is spoken. Quite probably he had

already spoken to them about the impor-

tant matters he now wrote to them about.

The apostle was a teacher (2 Tim. 1:11),

and he proceded to give the instruction.

Think on the Writer:

"In his ministry,

Paul was often compelled to stand alone.

He was specially taught of God and dared

make no concessions that would involve

principle. At times the burden was heavy,

but Paul stood firm for the right."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 199.

LESSON OUTLINE

Abandon the Old

Eph. 4:17-19

Old Way Not Learned of Christ

Eph. 4:20-22

Put on the New Man

Eph. 4:23, 24

Put Away Lying and Anger

Eph. 4:25-27

Put Off Stealing and Bad

Language

Eph. 4:28, 29

Grieve Not the Holy Spirit—

Be Kind

Eph. 4:30-32

Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

LESSON 8



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Sunday

May 16

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Part 1

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"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye

ABANDON THE OLD henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity

of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being

alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that

is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who

being past feeling have given themselves over unto

Eph. 4:17-19 lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness."

"This I say . . . , and testify" is typical of Paul's earnest

adjuration of the saints. Compare "I take you to record" (Acts

20:26), and "I testify . . . to every man" (Gal. 5:3). His deep

convictions often called on God as witness. Rom. 1:9; 2 Cor.

1:23. "Testify in the Lord" again indicates his conviction that

he was speaking with divine authority.

"Vanity" is the way of the world, as in 1 Cor. 3:20 also.

What the world calls wisdom is often ignorance and darkness.

It alienates men from God.

"Blindness of their heart" is sometimes rendered "hardness,"

indicating guilt for such a condition. Compare Mark 8:14-21,

where ignorance and hardness appear in the same connection.

Would the phrase "who being past feeling," indicate

a condition beyond redemption?

The whole point of this passage is that Christians should

turn round and go in a new moral direction.

"The apostle admonishes his brethren, in the name and by

the authority of the Lord Jesus, that after having professed

the gospel they should not conduct themselves as did the Gen-

tiles, but should show by their daily deportment that they had

been truly

converted."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, pp. 171, 172.

How is the worldly way of life described? What are

believers admonished not to do? Eph. 4:17; 1 Peter 1:14.

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THINK IT THROUGH

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How is our way of life, our manner of living, related

to the work we do? What is to be our attitude to "old

habits and customs"?

"God will not make men and women

channels of light while they are in dark-

ness and are content to remain so,

making no special efforts to connect

with the Source of light. . . . There is

much for each to unlearn with respect

to himself, as well as much to learn.

Old habits and customs must be shaken

off, and it is only by earnest struggles

to correct these errors, and a full recep-

tion of the truth in carrying out its prin-

ciples, by the grace of God, that the

victory can be gained."—"Testimonies,"

Vol. 4,

pp.

485, 486.

Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

LESSON 8

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Monday

May 17

"But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye

have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the

truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former

conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to

the deceitful lusts."

"Learned Christ" implies not the use of a magical name, but

to come to know both Christ and His way of life. When Paul

wrote of putting on the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 13:14), that

was another way of expressing the adoption of a new way of

life. It was not merely knowledge but a new moral attitude to

life.

"The sins that were practiced before conversion, are to be

put off, with the old man. With the new man, Christ Jesus, are

to be put on 'kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-

suffering.'

"—Sons and Daughters of God,

page 300.

There must be detachment from the old man, and attach-

ment to the new man in Christ Jesus. No compromise was

possible between the new man and the old. There was to be

no possible status of "peaceful coexistence" between them.

"Conversation" in our text means "manner of life, habitual

behavior, or personal conduct."

"Learned Christ. . . .

To have 'learned Christ' is not merely

to have learned something about Him; it is to have become

acquainted with His office and work as priest, prophet, king,

advocate, and mediator, and to have appropriated for one's life

the benefits of His atoning work. When Jesus Himself said

`learn of Me' (Matt. 11:29), He was presenting Himself as the

example; here He is offered, not as the great teacher, but as

the very object of knowledge and faith."—SDA

Bible Com-

mentary,

on Eph. 4:20.

How was the teaching of Christ related to the Gentile

way of life? What was the attitude of the believers to

the teaching of Christ? What was to be the attitude

toward the "old man"?

Do you think that we today realize the fact that there

is to be no compromise between the "old man" and the

"new man"? How often do we need to put on the "new

man" to maintain a victorious Christian experience? Luke

9:23.

Part 2

OLD WAY NOT

LEARNED OF CHRIST

Eph. 4:20-22

"The former sinful nature is to be

stripped off once and for all, never to

be put on again; the new nature is to

be put on. . . . The robe of righteous-

ness is to replace the filthy garments

of self-righteousness. . . .

"The lusts of the flesh are deceitful

because they promise happiness but

give sorrow, promise freedom but give

slavery, promise immunity from the re-

sults of wrongdoing, only to bring de-

struction."—"SDA Bible Commentary,"

on Eph. 4:22.

Part 3

PUT ON THE

NEW MAN

Eph. 4:23, 24

❑

Tuesday

May 18

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that

ye put on the new man, which after God is created in

righteousness and true holiness."

Renewal is not just a wish. It involves a surrender of will

to Christ, followed by certain voluntary practices.

"And be renewed: from day to day, in contrast to the ad-

vancing corruption of the old man. Similar word, and same

idea of progressive renovation, in Col. 3:10, Rom. 12:2."—J.

Agar Beet,

Commentary on Paul's Epistles,

page 345.

"The heart that is surrendered to God, loves the truth of

God's Word; for through the truth the soul is regenerated. The

carnal mind finds no pleasure in contemplating the Word of

God, but he who is renewed in the spirit of his mind, sees new

charms in the living oracles; for divine beauty and celestial

light seem to shine in every

passage."—Fundamentals of Chris-

tian Education,

page 182.

"Be renewed. . . .

Despite centuries of degradation man still

shows some traces of the original handiwork of God, and by

the work of the Holy Spirit in the new birth and in sanctifica-

tion 'the old man' . . . may be created new again. . . .

"New. . . .

The putting on the new nature, or 'man,' is not

something we can accomplish of ourselves, nor is it merely a

renovated man. God is the active power in the re-creation, but

the change is not effected without man's consent and coopera-

tion.. ..

"After God. . . .

God Himself is the ideal after which the

new man is patterned (Matt. 5:48), and since the 'new man'

is actually a return to man's original state, it means the restora-

tion of the image of God in the soul."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 4:23, 24.

Who subdues the "old man" in the life of the believer

in God? After what pattern is the "new man"? What are

the characteristics of the "new man"?

Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

LESSON 8

THINK IT THROUGH

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Name some careless habits that can lead to the reap-

pearance of "the old man." In what ways does inward

renewal lead to outward change? Who is the judge of

the validity of inward renewal? 1 Sam. 16:7; Jer. 17:10.

"I saw that great changes must be

wrought in the hearts and lives of very

many before God can work in them by

His power for the salvation of others.

They must be renewed after the image

of God, in righteousness and true holi-

ness. Then . . . every ambition of life

calculated to exalt self will be changed

by the grace of God and employed in

the special work of saving souls for

whom Christ died."—"Testimonies," Vol.

2, p. 484.

Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

LESSON 8

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❑

Wednesday

May /9

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Part 4

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"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man

PUT AWAY LYING truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of an-

AND ANGER other. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down

Eph. 4:25-27 upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil."

This epistle contains a series of motivating Christian prin-

ciples, and also a series of prohibitions. It is popular to decry

prohibitions as negative, but often it is as important to know

what we must and will not do, as it is to know what we will

do. For example, before any situation arises, we know that we

must not lie. If we are members of the body of Christ, practic-

ing or speaking falsehood to each other is impossible. The word

"neighbor" is not limited to fellow Christians. Luke 10:29 and

following verses.

"Be ye angry, and sin not." See Ps. 4:4, margin. Here is an

exhortation joining anger with sinlessness. What kind of anger?

"It is a righteous indignation against sin, which springs from

zeal for the glory of God, not that anger prompted by self-love

or wounded ambition, which is referred to in the scripture, 'Be

ye angry, and sin

not.'"—Testimonies to Ministers,

page 101.

"Then Paul gives the reason for telling the truth. It is be-

cause we are all members of the same body. We can only live

in safety because the senses and the nerves pass true messages

to the brain. .

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. If, for instance, they told the brain that

something was cool and touchable when in fact it was hot and

burning, life would very soon come to an end. . . . All decep-

tion impairs the working of the body of Christ."—William

Barclay,

Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians,

on Eph. 4:25,

page 184.

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THINK IT THROUGH

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What specific sins named in this lesson are to be put

away from the life of the new man? Compare "the wrath

of God" and the anger of man. What is the exhortation

with regard to anger? How does anger "give place to

the devil"? Prov. 15:18.

Do we know from Christian moral principles what we

shall or shall not do in a given situation, or do we wait

for a difficult situation to arise, and then act on the spirit

of the moment? How is righteous indignation identified?

"It is true there is an indignation that

is justifiable, even in the followers of

Christ. When they see that God is dis-

honored, and His service brought into

disrepute, when they see the innocent

oppressed, a righteous indignation stirs

the soul. Such anger, born of sensitive

morals, is not a sin. But those who at

any supposed provocation feel at lib-

erty to indulge anger or resentment

are opening the heart to Satan. Bitter-

ness and animosity must be banished

from the soul if we would be in har-

mony with heaven."—"The Desire of

Ages," page 310.

❑

Thursday

May 20

"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him

labor, working with his hands the thing which is good,

that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no

corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but

that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may

minister grace unto the hearers."

"Let the thief no longer steal!' From the lowest dregs of

the Greek cities—from its profligate and criminal classes—the

gospel had drawn its converts (comp. 1 Cor. vi.9-11). In the

Ephesian church there were converted thieves; and Christian-

ity had to make of them honest

workmen."—Expositor's Bible,

Vol. 6, p. 74, on Eph. 4:28. See also 1 Cor. 6:10; 1 Peter 4:15.

"Corrupt communication." Here is a graphic prohibition

against inappropriate speech. The gift of speech is to be used

to edify, to build up spiritual life.

"The right culture and use of the power of speech has to do

with every line of Christian work; it enters into the home life,

and into all our intercourse with one another. We should ac-

custom ourselves to speak in pleasant tones, to use pure and

correct language, and words that are kind and courteous. Sweet,

kind words are as dew and gentle showers to the soul. The

Scripture says of Christ that grace was poured into His lips

that He might 'know how to speak a word in season to him

that is weary.' Ps. 45:2; Isa. 50:4. And the Lord bids us, 'Let

your speech be alway with grace' (Col. 4:6) 'that it may min-

ister grace unto the hearers' (Eph.

4:29)."—Christ's Object

Lessons,

page 336.

What does Paul exhort Christians to do as the antidote

for stealing? Eph. 4:28. To what place will the thief never

be admitted? 1 Cor. 6:10.

Part 5

PUT OFF STEALING

AND BAD

LANGUAGE

Eph. 4:28, 29

Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

LESSON 8

THINK IT THROUGH

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How should the believer give counsel or correction to

his brother? What is given as a good rule in conversation?

Would you say that the vast outpouring of words in our

day is characterized by quantity or by quality?

"In giving reproof or counsel, many

indulge in sharp, severe speech, words

not adapted to heal the wounded soul.

By these ill-advised expressions the

spirit is chafed, and often the erring

ones are stirred to rebellion.... Under

all circumstances reproof should be

spoken in love. . . .

"No evil speaking, no frivolous talk,

no fretful repining or impure sugges-

tion, will escape the lips of him who

is following Christ.. ..

"When in the company of those who

indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty

to change the subject of conversation if

possible."—"Christ's Object Lessons,"

page 337.

Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

LESSON 8

❑

Friday

May

"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye

are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness,

and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be

put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one

to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even

as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

The sins Paul has been specifying in previous verses all

grieve the Holy Spirit. The seal of God is on the man whose

faith in Christ's righteousness produces a holy life. The disciples

were so sealed at Pentecost. See Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6, p. 1055.

A few examples of how the Holy Spirit is grieved:

"But there are many who have little faith. They are always

fearing and borrowing trouble. . . . And their fear and repining

grieve the Holy

Spirit."—Gospel Workers,

page 261.

"Conscience is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of

human passions; when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is

grieved."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 120.

"Ananias and Sapphira grieved the Holy Spirit by yielding

to feelings of covetousness."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 72.

"When we seem to doubt God's love and distrust His prom-

ises, we dishonor Him and grieve His Holy Spirit."—Steps

Christ,

page 118.

"It is not the opposition of the world that most endangers

the church of Christ. It is the evil cherished in the hearts of

believers that works their most grievous disaster and most

surely retards the progress of God's cause. There is no surer

way of weakening spirituality than by cherishing envy, sus-

picion, faultfinding, and evil surmising. On the other hand, the

strongest witness that God has sent His Son into the world is

the existence of harmony and union among men of varied dis-

positions who form His church."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 549.

How is the believer to take care with regard to the

Holy Spirit? Name the six evils the believer is now ex-

horted to put away. Eph. 4:31.

Part 6

GRIEVE NOT THE

HOLY SPIRIT—

BE KIND

Eph. 4:30-32

THINK IT THROUGH

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What attitude should the believer have toward those

who have offended him but do not ask his forgiveness?

"We should not think that unless

those who have injured us confess the

wrong we are justified in withholding

from them our forgiveness. It is their

part, no doubt, to humble their hearts

by repentance and confession; but we

are to have a spirit of compassion

toward those who have trespassed

against us, whether or not they con-

fess their faults."—"Thoughts From the

Mount of Blessing," pages 113, 114.

Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

LESSON 8



May 22

Part 7

SUMMARY QUESTIONS

A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER

Complete: "Having the understanding

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, being alienated

from the life of God through the

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of the

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of their heart."

What is meant by the words: "The old man")

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What is the meaning of the words: "The new man"?

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Complete: "Let not the sun go down upon your

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What is the reason Paul gives for exhorting the believer to work with his

hands?

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Complete: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,

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, even as God for Christ's sake hath

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WALK IN THE LIGHT

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children." Eph. 5:1.

Study Helps:

Testimonies,

Vol. 2, pages

50-55;

The Desire of Ages,

pages 321-327;

Prophets and Kings,

pages 177-179, 186,

187, 207-210;

SDA Bible Commentary.

In the epistles of Paul the concepts of

light and darkness are used as figures to

represent righteousness and iniquity. If the

recurrence of these figures has value, they

must make a deep impression on the lis-

teners.

The intention is clearly to impress the

believers with the logic and reason support-

ing walking in the light. He tells them that

they were "sometimes darkness." In other

words their way of life before conversion

was laid in paths of iniquity. But they have

been converted and are now "light in the

Lord." Hence it is only logical and natural

that they should walk in the light. The

force of this reasoning really retains its

dynamic for the believers of today. Medi-

tate on this!

Think on the Writer:

"Among those

who had been converted at Lystra, . . . was

one who was afterward to become a promi-

nent worker for Christ. . . . This was . . .

Timothy. When Paul was dragged out of

the city [after being stoned], this youthful

disciple was among the number who . . .

saw him arise, bruised and covered with

blood, but with praises upon his lips be-

cause he had been permitted to suffer for

the sake of Christ."—The

Acts of the Apos-

tles,

pages 184, 185.

LESSON OUTLINE

Power Through Example

Eph. 5:1, 2

Conquer or Be Conquered

Eph. 5:3-5

Don't Be Fooled

Eph. 5:6, 7

As Children of Light

Eph. 5:8, 9

Acceptable to God

Eph. 5:10

The Test Is Light

Eph. 5:11-13

Walk in the Light

LESSON 9

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❑

Sunday

May 23

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Part 1

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"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

POWER THROUGH and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath

EXAMPLE given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for

Eph. 5:1, 2 a sweet-smelling savor."

"Therefore be imitators of God" (RSV) "as well loved chil-

dren imitate their father," (Barclay), raises the question: In

what ways can man imitate God? Obviously only in moral

qualities. These all find expression in the comprehensive meaning

of love.

"When Paul talked of imitation, he was using language

which the wise men of Greece could understand.

Mimesis,

"imi-

tation," was a main part in the training for an orator. The

teachers of rhetoric declared that the learning of oratory de-

pended on three things—theory, imitation, and practice."—Bar-

clay, on Eph. 5:1.

Christ is our example, and we are all to imitate His great

example. 1 Peter 2:21.

"It is designed that there should be a perpetual unfolding

and enlarging of our spiritual powers and excellences. All our

desires, hopes, efforts, are to be toward this. We are to be filled

with the divine thoughts, replenished with the divine energy,

warmed with the divine love. As a child catches the very tone

of his father, so we are to catch the tone of our heavenly Father.

. . . We are His beloved children."—The

Pulpit Commentary,

New Edition, page 231, on Eph. 5:1-14.

"We may, by following the example of the Saviour, be in

holy communion with Him; and by daily seeking to imitate

His character and follow His example, we shall be a blessing to

the world and shall secure for ourselves contentment here and

an eternal reward

hereafter."—Testimonies,

Vol. 4, p. 227.

What fundamental principle of Christian life does the

apostle recommend? Eph. 5:1; 1 Thess. 1:6. What is

meant by being followers "as dear children"?

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THINK IT THROUGH

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What is the message of the early years of Jesus? Is

His example of spiritual benefit even in our days?

"Jesus is our example. There are

many who dwell with interest upon the

period of His public ministry, while

they pass unnoticed the teaching of His

early years. But it is in His home life

that He is the pattern for all children

and youth. The Saviour condescended

to poverty, that He might teach how

closely we in a humble lot may walk

with God. . . . His work began in con-

secrating the lowly trade of the crafts-

men who toil for their daily bread. He

was doing God's service just as much

when laboring at the carpenter's bench

as when working miracles for the mul-

titude."—"The Desire of Ages," page 74.

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Walk in the Light



LESSON 9

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❑

Monday

May 24



Part 2



"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness,

CONQUER OR let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

BE CONQUERED neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which

are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this

ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor

covetous man, who is an idolator, hath any inheritance

Eph. 5:3-5 in the kingdom of Christ and of God."

All uncleanness:

"The vices of the old heathen self must be

each of them replaced by the corresponding graces of the new

man in Christ Jesus."—The

Expositor's Bible,

Vol. 6, p. 73, on

Eph. 4:25 to 5:6. The "works of the flesh" (Gal. 5:19) include

some of the sins here mentioned.

Note how Paul passes from the impurities of the inner heart

in verse 3 to their outward expression in verse 4.

Covetousness:

"Everywhere its slimy track is seen. It creates

discontent and dissension in families; it excites envy and

hatred in the poor against the rich ; it prompts the grinding

oppression of the rich toward the poor.... Many a man comes

statedly to church, and sits at the table of the Lord, while

among his possessions are hidden unlawful gains. . . . For a

goodly Babylonish garment, multitudes sacrifice the approval

of conscience and their hope of heaven. . . . The gospel light

is hindered in its course; the scorn of worldlings is kindled by

practices that give the lie to the Christian profession; and yet

the covetous professor continues to heap up treasures."—Patri-

archs

and Prophets,

page 497.

Why were the believers counseled not to talk about

the sins of their former lives? What was to take the place

of these conversations? Who would not be allowed to

enter the kingdom of Christ and of God?



THINK IT THROUGH



In what specific ways do the words on Eph. 5:3-5 re-

late to the position of the Christian amid the evil condi-

tions of our times?

"The prevailing spirit of our time is

one of infidelity and apostasy—a spirit

of avowed illumination because of a

knowledge of truth, but in reality of

the blindest presumption. Human theo-

ries are exalted and placed where God

and His law should be. Satan tempts

men and women to disobey, with the

promise that in disobedience they will

find liberty and freedom that will make

them as gods. There is seen a spirit of

opposition to the plain word of God, of

idolatrous exaltation of human wisdom

above divine revelation. Men have al-

lowed their minds to become so dark-

ened and confused by conformity to

worldly customs and influences that they

seem to have lost all power to discrimi-

nate between light and darkness, truth

and error."—"Prophets and Kings,"

page 178.

Walk in the Light

LESSON 9

Part 3

DON'T BE FOOLED

Eph. 5:6, 7

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Tuesday

May 25

"Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because

of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children

of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them."

Vain words:

In cities like Corinth and Ephesus there were

temples dedicated to the gods maintained by the proceeds of

prostitution of priestesses, et cetera. Some philosophers argued

the reasonableness of these things since they had always been

done. Thus were people deceived "with vain words." Philosophy

of many kinds deceives men today. The Bible has much to say

about deception of all kinds. See Heb. 3:13; Gal. 6:7; 2 Tim.

3:13, 14.

"Vain words.

Literally, 'empty words,' such as words sug-

gesting that the sins enumerated (vs. 3-5) would not keep one

out of the kingdom. Heresies were already threatening the in-

fant church. Paul is warning against the deceptive manner in

which false teachers were insinuating themselves into the Chris-

tian community. For further general warnings about the decep-

tions that would divide the flock see Rom. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:18;

2 Cor. 11:3; Col. 2:8; 2 Thess. 2:3,

4."—SDA Bible Commen-

tary,

on Eph. 5:6.

"Satan looks with great satisfaction upon those who profess

the name of Christ, yet closely adhere to the delusions which

he himself has originated. His work is still to devise new delu-

sions, and his power and art in this direction continually in-

crease."—Early

Writings,

page 221.

"All who do not earnestly search the Scriptures and submit

every desire and purpose of life

—

tirthaThiring test, all who

do not seek. God in prayer for a knowledge of His will, will

surely wander from the right path and fall under the deception

Satan."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, page 192.

Where does the voluntary acceptance of deception and

delusion inevitably lead men? Rev. 20:12-14.

How are the faithful believers to be kept in the time

of deception?

"The Scriptures pointing forward to

this time [of deception at the end of

earth's history] declare that Satan will

work with all power and 'with all

deceivableness of unrighteousness.'

2 Thess. 2:9, 10. His working is plainly

revealed by the rapidly increasing

darkness, the multitudinous errors, her-

esies, and delusions of these last days.

Not only is Satan leading the world

captive, but his deceptions are leaven-

ing the professed churches of our Lord

Jesus Christ. The great apostasy will

develop into darkness deep as mid-

night, impenetrable as sackcloth of

hair. To God's people it will be a night

of trial. . . . But out of that night of

darkness God's light will shine."—

"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 414,

415.

Walk in the Light

LESSON 9

Part 4

AS CHILDREN

OF LIGHT

Eph. 5:8, 9

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Wednesday

May 26

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye

light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit

of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and

truth)."

Paul often contrasted the past heathen life of believers with

their present Christian life. See Rom. 11:30; Col. 3:7. In Eph.

4:17-20 he speaks of their former darkened understanding and

their present enlightenment in Christ. "What communion hath

light with darkness?" (2 Cor. 6:14) is the same contrast. As an

illustration of the Christian life, the apostle uses the word

"walk." Walk in "newness of life," "honestly," "in the Spirit,"

"in wisdom." Rom. 6:4; 13:13; Gal. 5:16; Col. 4:5. The apostle

John makes it clear that there is a precious reward to those

who walk in the light. 1 John 1:7. Our identification is clear

from our "walk," or manner of life.

"Christ commands His followers to walk in the light. Walk-

ing means moving onward, exerting ourselves, exercising our

ability, being actively engaged. Unless we exercise ourselves in

the good work to which our Saviour has called us, and feel the

importance of personal effort in this work, we shall have a

sickly, stunted religion. . . . We gain activity and strength by

walking in the light, that we may have energy to run in the

way of God's commandments. We may gain an increase of

strength at every step we advance heavenward. God will bless

His people only when they try to be a blessing to others."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, pages 436, 437.

Now that the believers were in the light of the gospel,

how were they to "walk," or what was to be their manner

of life? Explain the connection of the Spirit with the

"walk." What was the result of this connection? What do

you understand to be the meaning of "walk as children

of light"?

Is it essential that religious knowledge and practice

should flourish together? See Matt. 21:28-31. Can incon-

sistency exist in a thoroughgoing Christian? How only can

an inconsistent professing Christian obtain the happiness

of real daily experience with Christ? John 14:21, 23.

"But very few have an experimental

knowledge of the sanctifying influence

of the truths which they profess. Their

obedience and devotion have not been-

in accordance with their light and privi-

leges. They have no real sense of the

obligation resting upon them to walk

as children of the light, and not as chil-

dren of darkness. . . . It will be more

tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in

the day of judgment than for those who

have been privileged with the clear

light . . . but have not profited by it."

—"Testimonies," Vol. 2, page 488.

Walk in the Light

LESSON 9



❑

Thursday

May 27

Part 5

ACCEPTABLE

TO GOD

Eph. 5:10

"Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord."

In Rom. 12:2 the apostle speaks of proving "what is that

good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." To prove God's

promises we must accept and obey.

"What is acceptable unto the Lord" becomes the intent of

obedience. By trial in their experience, in prayer, in the study

of the Word, in communion with and contemplation of the

Master, Christians are to learn "what is acceptable unto the

Lord."

"Proving. . . .

The Christian must be continually testing

the good, the right, and the true with the intent of finding out

what is pleasing to God (Rom. 12:2). The will of God as re-

vealed in His Word and in experience is the touchstone by

which the testing and approving is to be done. 'What would

Jesus do?' becomes an important question continuously in the

mind of the believer."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 5:10.

"Acceptable unto the Lord."

In Rom. 12:2 Paul speaks of

proving the "good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

The only way we can prove the good things of God is to be

sincere in accepting them. Phil. 1:10. Accepted things in this

way become more and more acceptable.

Who is the Lord of our lives? See John 13:13; Phil 3:8.

What is to be the great standard by which our conduct

is to be judged?

THINK IT THROUGH



Define the meaning of being "acceptable unto the

Lord." How does this relate to God's will? How can we

know whether or not our lives are acceptable? See Acts

24:16; 2 Cor. 1:12.

"The Pharisee and the publican rep-

resent two great classes into which

those who come to worship God are

divided. Their first two representatives

are found in the first two children that

were born into the world. Cain thought

himself righteous, and he came to God

with a thank offering only. He made no

confession of sin, and acknowledged no

need of mercy. But Abel came with the

blood that pointed to the Lamb of God.

He came as a sinner, confessing himself

lost; his only hope was the unmerited

love of God. The Lord had respect to

his offering, but to Cain and his offering

He had not respect. The sense of need,

the recognition of our poverty and sin,

is the very first condition of acceptance

with God. 'Blessed are the poor in

spirit

;

for theirs is the kingdom of

heaven.' Matt. 5:3."—"Christ's Object

Lessons," page 152.

Part 6

THE TEST

IS LIGHT

Eph. 5:11-13

❑

Friday

May 28

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of

darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even

to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by

the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light."

"Unfruitful works of darkness."

Paul exhorts believers to

"cast off" these works, because "the night is far spent, the day

is at hand." Rom. 13:12. The time is late, the evil works are

fruitless—this is convincing exhortation. "The end of those

things is death." Rom. 6:21. The psalmist says: "Depart from

me, ye evildoers." Ps. 119:115.

Does it take courage to reprove evil, either by word or

example? Reproof brings the work of darkness out into the

light, but the reproof is both difficult and often resented. Prov.

15:12. Note what Jesus said about reproof. John 3:20, 21.

Some do not think of the evil of their ways until reproved;

thus reproof brings light to them.

"Reproved. . . .

The hidden and dark things in a person's

life are exposed under the bright beams of spiritual light. When

Christ turned the light of truth on the hypocrisy of His day,

the sham was seen for what it really was. When deeds done

in the dark are viewed in the dark, their outlines are obscured,

their true character unrevealed."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

Eph. 5:13.

What exhortation does Paul give with regard to the

believer and the former vices? Name the new attitude

to be taken to these works of darkness. Eph. 5:11; Rom.

13:12. How does throwing light on an evil practice af-

fect it?

Walk in the Light

LESSON 9

THINK IT THROUGH



What kind of approach do you think should be made

to someone or something needing reproof?

"As you go to the one you suppose

to be in error, see that you speak in a

meek and lowly spirit. . . . Avoid any-

thing in look or gesture, word or tone,

that savors of pride or self-sufficiency.

Guard yourself against a word or look

that would exalt yourself, or place your

goodness and righteousness in contrast

with their failings.... With care avoid

every appearance of anger; and though

you use plainness of speech, . . . let

there be no shadow of hate or ill will,

no bitterness. . .. Nothing but kindness

and gentleness can flow from a heart of

love. . . . Bear in mind that the success

of reproof depends greatly upon the

spirit in which it is given. Do not neglect

earnest prayer that you may possess a

lowly mind, and that angels of God

may go before you."—"Testimonies,"

Vol. 2, pages 52, 53.

Answers: (1) followers of God; (2) Let it not be once named among you; (3) Judgment of God;

(4) light in the Lord, children of light; (5) By experience, by prayer, by study of the Word; (6)

fellowship, reprove them.

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SPIRITUAL RENEWAL THROUGH CHRIST 10

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Eph. 5:16.

Study Helps:

Testimonies,

Vol. 4, pp.

554-564; Vol. 5, pp. 349-354;

SDA Bible

Commentary.

The lesson opens this week with the call

to awake. The sleeper seems to be imper-

vious to some condition or influence which

has come about since he fell asleep. Failure

to awaken from spiritual sleep eventuates

in death. To the believers of Ephesus and

elsewhere the call to awake now comes.

The Christian life is not stationary, static.

It is an experience of growth. It is a battle

and a march. The call is ever to higher

ground spiritually. In the present case, time

appears to have been lost, and time must

somehow be redeemed. It must be done

with urgency "because the days are evil."

Deeper devotion, less selfishness and more

selflessness, more and ever more love for

others, more helpful favors for the neigh-

bors—these are the challenges.

Think on the Writer:

"Who can mea-

sure the results to the world of Paul's life-

work? Of all those beneficent influences

that alleviate suffering, that comfort sor-

row, that restrain evil, that uplift life from

the selfish and the sensual, and glorify it

with the hope of immortality, how much

is due to the labors of Paul and his fellow

workers?"—Education, page 70.

LESSON OUTLINE

Awake to Opportunity

Eph. 5:14

Believer Involvement

Eph. 5:15, 16

Knowing God's Will

Eph. 5:17

Infilling of the Spirit

Eph. 5:18

Spiritual Expression

Eph. 5:19, 20

Servants One to Another

Eph. 5:21

Spiritual Renewal Through Christ

LESSON 10

Part 1

AWAKE TO

OPPORTUNITY

Eph. 5:14

❑

Sunday

May 30

"Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and

arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."

"Wake up, 0 sleeper" (Moffatt) is a peremptory command

(a)

some in the church who are not truly in Christ,

(b)

the

sinner who has not yet found Him.

He has a new challenge. We are to wake up, be in earnest,

living in the light of Christ's teachings. Christ gives light and

life (John 1:4), and He is

the

Light. John 1:9.

"Give thee light. . .

The soul that turns to Christ is assured

of the healing rays of light that come from the 'Sun of Righ,

teousness' (Mal. 4:2). The plea is for the impenitent to arouse

from their lethargy, and thus to give Christ an opportunity to

do His saving work in their souls."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 5:14.

To be awake is to progress in spiritual life. To be asleep is

to backslide.

"God designs that Christians shall grow continually, grow

up unto the full stature of men and women in Christ. All who

do not grow stronger, and become more firmly rooted and

grounded in the truth, are continually retrograding."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 4, p. 556.

How does the apostle appeal to the Ephesian believers

about their spiritual condition? Eph. 5:14. What does it

mean to be spiritually asleep? 1 Cor. 15:34.

What is promised to those who awake? What is the

nature of the "light" that Christ will give? Acts 26:23.

THINK IT THROUGH



Name some ways in which believers may deny God in

their way of life while professing all the time to know

God.

"I call upon all who are resting un-

concerned in their present state of spir-

itual deadness, to arouse and arise

from the dead, and Christ will give

them light. . . . Many profess to know

God, and yet deny Him in their works.

They reckon themselves among God's

peculiar, chosen people, who have a

special, solemn message entrusted to

their keeping to sanctify their lives and

to give to the world, and yet the power

of the truth is scarcely felt or mani-

fested in our midst in zealous work for

God. . . . The light has not diminished,

but we walk not in its rays."—"Testi-

monies to Ministers," page 451.

Spiritual Renewal Through Christ

LESSON 10



❑

Monday

May 31



Part 2



"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but

BELIEVER as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

INVOLVEMENT



Eph. 5:15, 16



strictly,

according to principle. Christians working and living

Circumspectly.

Christians in all ages must live

carefully,

among pagans could accommodate easily to the language, habits,

and pastimes of their neighbors. Is it true in our present un-

believing age? The way to meet temptation is to resist it by

Christian habits in thought, word, and deed.

"Redeeming the time.

Literally, 'buying up for yourselves

the opportune time,' that is, making the most of the opportu-

nity. . . . Redeeming the time is more than simply refraining

from idleness or frivolous activities. A person is not good

merely because he is not bad. Like Jesus, one must be 'about'

his 'Father's business' (Luke 2:49), actively seeking opportu-

nity to do good (Gal. 6:10), even to one's enemies (Matt. 5:44).

In the parable of the Unjust Steward, Jesus pointed to the

diligence and wisdom of the merchants of the world in conduct-

ing their affairs, as an example to the children of light."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 5:16.

"We are admonished to redeem the time. But time squan-

dered can never be recovered. We cannot call back even one

moment. The only way in which we can redeem our time is by

making the most of that which remains, by being co-workers

with God in His great plan of redemption.

"In him who does this, a transformation of character takes

place. He becomes a son of God, a member of the royal family,

a child of the heavenly

King."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page

342.

How does Paul describe the new life of the believer?

Eph. 5:16.

In what way is it suggested that one can make up for

lost time? Why is the necessity for this effort very urgent?

Rom. 13:12.



THINK IT THROUGH



What suggestions can you give for "redeeming the

time"? Suggest some ways to improve your use of time

now and in the future.

"Paul exhorts his Ephesian brethren

to redeem the time because the days

are evil. . . . You are called upon to

reform, to be zealous of good works in

the same degree that you have been

negligent of duty. Turn square about.

Double your diligence.. .. Keep God's

commandments, and live, and His law

as the apple of your eye. Tax every

moment to the utmost in laboring for

your own eternal interest and for the

salvation of souls around you. By so

doing you may save both yourself and

those who are more or less controlled

by your example. These are motives

which should be duly considered."—

"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 353.

Spiritual Renewal Through Christ

LESSON 10



❑

Tuesday

June 1



Part 3



"Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what

KNOWING the will of the Lord is."

GOD'S WILL



Eph. 5:17



will of God, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fidelity to

The Christian's highest wisdom is knowing and doing the

His Father's will controlled every thought and action of Jesus.

John 5:30. He came to earth, not to do His own will, but to

do His Father's will. John 6:38. The will of God is for our

eternal life. John 6:40. God's will is not arbitrary and capri-

cious, but righteous, full of truth and mercy. His will is perfect.

Rom.

12:2.

"Will of the Lord.

To know the will of the Lord should be

the supreme aim of the believer. . . . The trans 9Lm

ed mind has

not only a capacity to understand the wiof God, but a di-

vinely implanted intuition which is the means of proving it

as 'good, and acceptable, and perfect' (Rom.

12:2)."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 5:17.

Ger

_wing_sa_rictification.. . . is nothing less than a daily dying

to self and daily conformity to the will of God. . . . Paul's

sanctification was a constant conflict with self. . . . His will

and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of

God. Instead of following inclination, he did the will of God,

however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature."—Life

Sketches,

page 237.

Name the basic concept of Christian experience men-

tioned by the apostle. Eph. 6: 6, 7. Give some of the ways

in which Jesus followed the will of God. John 4:34; Acts

10:38.



THINK IT THROUGH



How does the believer bring his experience into har-

mony with the will of God? Can this be done without

God's help? Will God help the believer to come into

union with His will? John 7:17.

"The victory is not won without much

earnestRIL

iyel, without the humbling of

self at every step. Our will is not to be

forced into cooperation with divine

agencies, but it must be voluntarily sub-

mitted. . . . You are not able, of your-

self, to bring your purposes and desires

and inclinations into submission to the

will of God; but if you are 'willing to

be made willing,' God will accomplish

the work for you, . . . 'bringing into

captivity every thought to the obedi-

ence of Christ.'"—"Thoughts From the

Mount of Blessing," page

142.

Spiritual Renewal Through Christ

LESSON 10



❑

Wednesday

June 2



Part 4



"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but



INFILLING OF



be filled with the Spirit."

THE SPIRIT



Eph. 5:18



Drunkenness is a sinful inconsistency for Christians. It is a

Drunk with wine.

This is a prohibition in specific terms.

reckless waste of money and life. The prodigal son gave way

to "riotous living" (Luke 15:13), or living dissolutely. Paul

stipulated that church leaders should be "not given to wine."

Titus 1:7. He included women in this prohibition in Titus 2:3.

By antithesis Paul exhorts believers to be filled with the Spirit

of God. Two extremes are here set forth. How did some spec-

tators at Pentecost confuse the two? Acts 2:13. Does being

"filled with the Spirit" always involve ecstatic displays of a

Pentecostal nature? How would you relate a Spirit-filled life

with visible enthusiasm?

"The seeking after an earthly stimulant is replaced by the

spiritual enthusiasm of the human spirit energized by the Holy

Spirit. Although it is true that soberness accompanies the work

of the Holy Spirit, nevertheless, the effect of the presence of

the Holy Spirit is seen in enthusiastic witnessing for the faith.

On the Day of Pentecost the demonstration of the Spirit in the

words and acts of the disciples was scoffingly compared to

drunkenness (Acts 2:13)

."—SDA Bible Commentary,

on Eph.

5:18.

"Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for

His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God

awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing,

claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is

given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is

ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive."

—The Desire of Ages,

page 672.

What vice does the apostle single out for condemna-

tion? What is his exhortation regarding the Spirit of

God? How may this exhortation be carried out? John 4:34.



THINK IT THROUGH



In the case of those believers who have less than

a satisfactory Christian experience, could it be that the

difficulty might lie in that they are "halfhearted" instead

of being "wholehearted"?

"The dispensation in which we are

now living is to be, to those that ask,

the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. Ask

for His blessing. It is time we were

more intense in our devotion. To us is

committed the arduous, but happy, glo-

rious work of revealing Christ to those

who are in darkness. We are called to

proclaim the special truths for this time.

For all this the outpouring of the Spirit

is essential. We should pray for it. The

Lord expects us to ask Him. We have

not been wholehearted in this work."

—"Testimonies to Ministers," pages 511,

512.

Part 5

SPIRITUAL

EXPRESSION

Eph. 5:19, 20

❑

Thursday

June 3

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and

spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart

to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God

and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Across the centuries, singing has been a far-reaching power

in the world. It has been a great factor in the life of the Chris-

tian church and in the experience of the believer. The apostle

exhorts the Ephesians to strengthen their experience by song

and by expression of thanks. Spiritual strength results from

spiritual song. Col. 3:16. Daniel made his prayers with thanks.

Dan. 6:10. There is singing that is vocal, and there is singing

in the soul that is silent but joyful. Both express praise to God.

Paul is noted for his spirit of unceasing thanksgiving. 1 Thess.

2:13; 2 Tim. 1:3.

"Giving thanks.

'Nothing tends more to promote health of

body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise'

(MH

251). The spirit of praise is an antidote to evil and dis-

couragement. When everything else is at its worst, the Chris-

tian is at his best and is most cheerful. The spirit of thankful-

ness prevails in joy or in sorrow, in victory or in defeat, for it

is a permanent, sustaining attribute of Christian character.. . .

"In the name of.

God is the recipient of thanksgiving, but

it is offered in the name of Jesus Christ. The Father is entitled

to gratitude because He is our Father (Rom. 8:14-17; Gal.

4:4-6). He has demonstrated His Fatherhood in the giving of

His Son; therefore prayer and thanksgiving are offered in the

Son's name. Since through Christ all that the Father has to

give has been made available to men, we can approach our

God with the utmost confidence (John 14:13; 15:16; 16:23,

24)."—SDA Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 5:20.

Through what spiritual exercise were the believers to

give expression to their faith and their experience? Dis-

cuss the relationship of sobriety, excitement, and joyful-

ness as set forth in this lesson. Should a Christian's thanks

be spasmodic or constant?

Spiritual Renewal Through Christ

LESSON 10

THINK IT THROUGH



Above all else, what is the blessing for which the

believer should be constantly grateful? Ps. 115:1

"In freeing our souls from the bond-

age of sin, God has wrought for us a

deliverance greater than that of the

Hebrews at the Red Sea.... Those who

dwell upon God's great mercies, and

are not unmindful of His lesser gifts,

will . . . make melody in their hearts

to the Lord. The daily blessings that we

receive from the hand of God, and

above all else the death of Jesus to

bring happiness and heaven within our

reach, should be a theme for constant

gratitude. . . . We should praise God

for the blessed hope held out before us

in the great plan of redemption, . . .

and for His rich promises; praise. Him

that Jesus lives to intercede

for us."

—"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 289.

Spiritual Renewal Through Christ

LESSON



❑

Friday

June 4



Part 6



"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of

SERVANTS ONE God."



TO ANOTHER



"Be subject to one another out of reverence for. Christ,

Eph._5:11 the Messiah, the Anointed One."—Amplified.

Submission, or humility, is a characteristic of New Testa-

ment teaching. In Rom. 13:1-7 we find submission to "the

higher powers"; in '1 Peter 2:13 it is "to every ordinance of

man for the Lord's sake"; in 1 Peter 2:18 to 3:7 it covers a

wide area from employers and owners to all domestic life. It

was the Christian approach to lawful and orderly life and was

based upon a deep respect and fear of God as seen in Eph. 5:21.

To fulfill his mission properly, every Christian must have

humility. One has tersely said: "Mutual subjection is part of

a wise, circumspect walk,

i.e.

mutual recognition of each other's

rights and of our obligations to serve them. Humility is not

cowardice or servility. It is a recognition first of the sovereignty

of God, and second of the Christian equality of man."—Selected.

"Submission, humility, and subjection are essential charac-

teristics of the believer. Before God and one's fellowmen, self

is to be brought low. Often the demands we make of one an-

other, even of our rights, are contrary to the spirit of loving

ministry, which is the spirit of the gospel (John 13:15, 16;

Gal. 5:15). In addition to submission to superiors in age and

authority, and respect for those we consider equals, there is

also a Christian submission due to those who may be con-

-sidered inferior in position. This submission reveals itself in

consideration, charity, and respect for the personality of all

God's children."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 5:21.

"Only when selfishness is dead, when strife for supremacy is

banished, when gratitude fills the heart, and love makes fragrant

the life—it is only then that Christ is abiding in the soul, and

we are recognized as laborers together with

God."—Christ's

Object. Lessons,

page 402.

As a crowning virtue, what does the apostle call to the

believer's attention? How is this virtue to be exercised?

THINK IT THROUGH



How and why does God work through the humble?

-James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6.

"The leader [Gideon] whom God

chose to overthrow the Midianites oc-

cupied no prominent position, in Israel.

. . . He thought himself the least in his

father's house. But God saw in him .a

man of courage and integrity. He was

distrustful of himself and willing to fol-

low the guidance :of the Lord. .. . The

Lord can work most effectually through

those who

are most sensible :of their

own insufficiency, and who will rely

upon Him as their leader and source

of strength. He will make them strong

by uniting their weakness to His might,

and wise by connecting their ignorance

with His wisdom."—"Patriarchs and

Prophets," page 553.

•

178

Answers: (1) A; (2) Redeeming the time, evil; (3) true; (4) be filled, Spirit; (5) Always; (6)

yourselves, in the fear of God.

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TO THE PILLARS OF THE CHRISTIAN HOME 111

"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Matt.

19:6.

Study Helps:

The Adventist Home,

pages

211-223,231-243;

The Ministry of Healing,

pages 349-362, 388-394;

SDA Bible Com-

mentary.

When Christ came to the earth, He

brought a great revelation of gospel truth.

This truth immediately came into direct

confrontation with the evil practices of

mankind in their way of living. Among the

areas affected was the marriage institution.

The status of women was shamefully low.

Among the Jews a very liberal interpre-

tation of Deut. 24:1 made a wife defenseless

before the demand for divorce. A Jew

could obtain a divorce from his wife by

merely handing her a bill of divorcement

which had been written up by a priest. This

was done in the presence of two witnesses.

It was against the abuse of divorce that

Jesus spoke out in Mark 10:2-9 and in

Matt. 5:31, 32. He declared that adultery

was the only basis for divorce, and not

some flimsy whim of a changeable husband.

It is to this situation that the apostle

addresses himself in our lesson of this week.

Think on the Writer:

"Paul's ministry

in Ephesus had been a season of incessant

labor, of many trials, and deep anguish. He

taught the people in public and from house

to house, instructing and warning them

with many tears. He was continually op-

posed by the unbelieving Jews. . . .

"Here, as at Corinth, he worked with his

own hands to supply his necessities. In

weariness and painfulness from unceasing

toil and constant danger, enfeebled by dis-

ease, and at times depressed in spirits, he

steadfastly pursued his work."—Ellen G.

White,

Sketches From the Life of Paul,

page 147.

LESSON OUTLINE

As Unto the Lord

Eph. 5:22, 23

As Christ Also Loved

Eph. 5:24, 25

Love Exemplified

Eph. 5:25-27

As His Own Body

Eph. 5:28-30

Joined Together by God

Eph. 5:31, 32

Final Appeal

Eph. 5:33

To the Pillars of the Christian Home

LESSON 11



❑

Sunday

June 6



Part 1



"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as

AS UNTO THE LORD unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife,

even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the.

Eph. 5:22, 23 Saviour of the body."

The context of Christian submission is set by the general

instruction: "All of you be subject one to another." 1 Peter 5:5.

Paul finds it necessary to give some instruction on humility

among married believers. The new spiritual condition of the

Ephesians, like other aspects of their life, was in need of some

religious orientation. The status of women and children in

those times was degraded. Thus Paul gave strong and repeated

emphases on the real meaning of submission, based on the

relation between Christ and the church.

"The headship of the husband consists in his ability and re-

sponsibility to care for his wife, in the same way that Christ

cares for the church.

"The body. . . .

As Christ is the 'Saviour of the body,' the

church, so the husband should be the protector and sustainer

of his wife and family."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph.

5:22,

23.

Did submission of member to member in the Christian

church make available for witness each person's gifts, or

was it degrading? In what manner were the wives to be

submissive to their husbands? Eph. 5:23. What was the

attitude of the husband to be as he carried on as head of

the family? What does "savior of the body" mean?'

1 Cor. 6:19, 20.



THINK IT THROUGH



According to the text of this lesson, how should prob-

lems of the marriage relationship be approached? What

is the value of cooperation, counseling together, and de-

cision making in marriage?

"It is no evidence of manliness _in the

husband for him to dwell constantly

upon his position as head of the family.

... It will not make him more manly to

require his wife, the mother of his chil-

dren, to act upon his plans as if they

were infallible. The Lord has constituted

the husband the head of the wife to be

her protector; he is the house-band of

the family, binding the members to-

gether, even as Christ is the head of the

church and the Saviour of the mystical

body..:. Christ's authority is exercised

in wisdom, in all kindness and gentle-

ness; so let the husband exercise his

power and imitate the great Head of

the church."—"The Adventist Home,"

page 215.

To the Pillars of the Christian Home

LESSON 11

Part 2

AS CHRIST

ALSO LOVED

Eph. 5:24, 25

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Monday

June 7

"Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let

the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Hus-

bands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the

church, and gave Himself for it."

"The subjection of the church of Christ is a free subjection,

arising out of faith in His absolute wisdom and goodness, and

of love for His unspeakable love."—Ellicott's

Commentary,

Eph. 5:23, 24. This text does not mean that the husband's

authority is unrestricted. He is to direct and care for his wife

and family in love, not with dominating, dictatorial power. He

is not like Christ in power and wisdom, but he is to practice

Christ's loving care.

The husband's authority must not oppose the wife's fidelity

to her God.

"A true husband never utters rude commands. His love will

find expression in a variety of ways. It will be given in words

of understanding and affection. The husband will properly pro-

vide for the wife's temporal support (1 Tim. 5:8) ; he will do

everything possible to assure her happiness (1 Cor. 7:33) ; he

will give her every honor (1 Peter

3:7)."—SDA Bible Commen-

tary,

on Eph.

5:25.

"Let each give love rather than exact it. Cultivate that

which is noblest in yourselves, and be quick to recognize the

good qualities in each other. . . . Sympathy and respect en-

courage the striving after excellence, and love itself increases

as it stimulates to nobler aims.

"Neither the husband nor the wife should merge his or her

individuality in that of the other. . . .

"Do not try to compel each other to yield to your wishes.

You cannot do this and retain each other's

love."—The Min-

istry of Healing,

page 361.

How is the submissiveness of wives described in Eph.

5:24?

How is the nature of the love husbands should have

for their wives described in verse 25?

When differences arise between husband and wife,

when problems come, what approach should be made

toward solutions?

"Men and women can reach God's

ideal for them if they will take Christ

as their helper. What human wisdom

cannot do, His grace will accomplish for

those who give themselves to Him in

loving trust. His providence can unite

hearts in bonds that are of heavenly ori-

gin. Love will not be a mere exchange

of soft and flattering words. The loom

of heaven weaves with warp and woof

finer, yet more firm, than can be

woven by the looms of earth. The result

is not a tissue fabric, but a texture that

will bear wear and test and trial. Heart

will be bound to heart in the golden

bonds of a love that is enduring."—"The

Ministry of Healing," page 362.

To the Pillars of the Christian Home

LESSON 11

❑

Tuesday

June 8



Part 3



"Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for

LOVE EXEMPLIFIED it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing

of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself

a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such

Eph. 5:25-27 thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

An example of marital devotion to keep in mind in the

study of this lesson is that of Joseph in his relations with Mary

the mother of Jesus. Matt. 1:19, 20; 2:13, 22; Luke 2:43-45.

"Gave Himself.

The supreme test of love is whether it is

prepared to forgo happiness in order that the other might have

it. In this respect the husband is to imitate Christ, giving up

personal pleasures and comforts to obtain his wife's happiness,

standing by her side in the hour of sickness. Christ gave Himself

for the church because she was in desperate need; He did it

to save her. Likewise the husband will give himself for the

salvation of his wife, ministering to her spiritual needs, and

she to his, in a spirit of mutual love."—SDA

Bible Commen-

tary,

on Eph. 5:25.

"As life with its burden of perplexity and care meets the

newly wedded pair, the romance with which imagination so

often invests marriage disappears. . . . This is a most critical

period in their experience. . . . Often they discern in each other

unsuspected weaknesses and defects. . . . Let all seek to discover

the excellencies rather than the defects. Often it is our own

attitude, the atmosphere that surrounds ourselves, which deter-

mines what will be revealed to us in another. There are many

who regard the expression of love as a weakness, and they

maintain a reserve that repels others. . . . Love cannot long

exist without expression. Let not the heart of one connected with

you starve for the want of kindness and sympathy."—The

Min-

istry of Healing,

page 360.

By comparison with Christ's purpose for the church,

what kind of homes should Christians have? Eph. 5:27, 28.



THINK IT THROUGH



How should the finances of the married couple be

handled? Should little differences in opinion be allowed

to become greater?

"You must help each other. Do not

look upon it as a virtue to hold fast the

purse strings, refusing to give your

wife money.

"You should allow your wife a cer-

tain sum weekly and should let her do

what she pleases with this money. You

have not given her opportunity to ex-

ercise her tact or her taste because you

have not a proper realization of the

position that a wife should occupy."—

"The Adventist Home," page 378.

To the Pillars of the Christian Home

LESSON 11



❑

Wednesday

June

Part 4



"So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies.

AS HIS OWN BODY He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever

yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth

it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of

Eph. 5:28-30 His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.

The unity in the marriage bond as expressed here dispels the

errors of domination, inferiority, subjection, et cetera. It is

the closest and most blessed unity known among men.

"The Lord Jesus has not been correctly represented in His

relation to the church by many husbands in their relation to

their wives, for they do not keep the way of the Lord. They

declare that their wives must be subject to them in everything.

But it was not the design of God that the husband should have

control, as head of the house, when he himself does not submit

to Christ. He must be under the rule of Christ that he may

represent the relation of Christ to the church. If he is a coarse,

rough, boisterous, egotistical, harsh, and overbearing man, let

him never utter the word that the husband is the head of the

wife, and that she must submit to him in everything; for he

is not the Lord, he is not the husband in the true significance

of the term."—The

Adventist Home,

page 117.

In what words is supreme self-love condemned? Eph.

5:28.

THINK IT THROUGH

In what way does true marital love resemble the love

of Christ for the church? Verse 29.

Are you all that a married companion should be? Is

it possible to cultivate before marriage the kind of char-

acter that would make for a happy marriage companion-

ship?

"Instead of sinking into a mere house-

hold drudge, let the wife and mother

take time to read, to keep herself well

informed, to be a companion to her

husband. . . . Let

her use wisely the op-

portunities now hers to influence her

dear ones for the higher life. Let her

take time to make the dear Saviour a

daily Companion and familiar Friend."

"The wife must not consider herself

a doll, to be tended, but a woman; one

to put her shoulder under real, not imag-

inary, burdens, and live an understand-

ing, thoughtful life, considering that

there are other things to be thought of

than herself."—"The Adventist Home,"

pages 110,

111.

To the Pillars of the Christian Home

LESSON 11



❑

Thursday

June 10

Part 5



"For this cause shall a man leave his father and

JOINED TOGETHER mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two

BY GOD shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak

Eph. 5:31, 32 concerning Christ and the church."

The same quotation from Gen. 2:24 is found in Matt. 19:5 ;

Mark 10:7, 8. Here is the basis of the beneficial institution of

marriage, from which come the home, the family, and society.

"A great mystery. . . .

Paul is saying that the revealed mys-

tery of the union of husband and wife is indeed a great and

profound truth, but that he is applying it to the union of Christ

and His church. While human marriage can be understood, the

mystic union of Christ and believer, though a revealed truth,

is still beyond our complete apprehension; we still 'see through

a glass, darkly' (1 Cor.

13:12)."—SDA Bible Commentary,

Eph. 5:31, 32.

How close is the union of husband and wife said to

be? Eph. 5:31. In what sense can the husband be "the

head of the wife" (Eph. 5:23) and yet have unity and

happiness in marriage? 1 John 3:23, last part.

THINK IT THROUGH



When two are contemplating marriage, what respon-

sibilities are involved?

"The mission of the home extends

beyond its own members. The Christian

home is to be an object lesson, illustrat-

ing the excellence of the true principles

of life. . . . As the youth go out from

such a home, the lessons they have

learned are imparted. Nobler principles

of life are introduced into other house-

holds, and an uplifting influence works

in the community.

"The home in which the members are

polite, courteous Christians exerts a

far-reaching influence for good. Other

families will mark the results attained

by such a home, and will follow t•he

example set. . . . Correct habits are

formed. There is a careful recognition

of the rights of others. The faith that

works by love and purifies the soul

stands at the helm, presiding over the

whole household."—"The Adventist

Home," page 31.

To the Pillars of the Christian Home

LESSON 11



❑

Friday

June 11



Part 6



"Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so

FINAL APPEAL love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she

Eph. 5:33 reverence her husband."

The primary emphasis in the whole of Paul's comments in

Ephesians 5 is on Christ's redeeming love for the church. If be-

lievers really understood the depth of that love, there would be

fewer marital problems today. Can a husband love Christ su-

premely and be unkind to his wife and children? Can a wife

understand Christ's love and fail in wifely loyalties in her home?

Both man and woman were created by and for God, and in

Christ they are still His own. Col. 1:16, 17. In marriage they

should act toward each other as Christ's redeemed children.

"Reverence. . . .

Paul does not mean cringing fear; that

would be out of keeping with the counsel he has been giving.

This honor and respect that is urged in no way eliminates love

on the part of the wife. It means that God's natural order in

the family should not be subverted, and that the special func-

tion of leadership that God has laid upon the husband should

be regarded. . . . Where there is mutual love and respect, ques-

tions of domination or alienation will not arise."—SDA

Bible

Commentary,

on Eph. 5:33.

The home of Amram and Jochebed is an example of the

influence of the home on the life of a great man—Moses. "She

[Jochebed] faithfully improved her opportunity to educate her

child for God. . . . The whole future life of Moses, the great

mission which he fulfilled . . . , testifies to the importance of

the work of the Christian mother. There is no other work that

can equal

this."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 243, 244.

How much should a husband love his wife? Should we

expect this to be reciprocated by the wife? Eph. 5:25, 33.

To what extent do you think right parental attitudes

affect the home?



THINK IT THROUGH



Is there any guarantee that a Christian home always

produces good children, or a bad home bad children?

Are the chances vastly in favor of the good home produc-

ing good children?

"There is no greater curse upon

households than to allow the youth to

have their own way. When parents re-

gard every wish of their children and

indulge them in what they know is not

for their good, the children soon lose

all respect for their parents, all regard

for the authority of God or man, and

are led captive at the will of Satan. The

influence of an ill-regulated family is

widespread and disastrous to all so-

ciety. It accumulates in a tide of evil

that affects families, communities, and

governments."—"Patriarchs and Proph-

ets," page 579.

Answers: (1) head of the wife, Christ is the head of the church; (2) A; (3) True; (4) God hath

joined, put asunder; (5) They are the same flesh; (6) Father and mother.

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EXCELLENCE IN ENDEAVOR THROUGH

CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES

"Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise."

Eph. 6:2.

Study Helps:

Messages to Young People,

pages 325-338;

The Adventist Home,

pages

211-215, 220-228, 231-243;

Steps to Christ,

chapter, "The Work and the Life";

SDA

Bible Commentary.

This week we study valuable instruction

to children and parents. Honor, discipline,

and love are the basis of happy, disciplined

lives. Spiritual renewal will come to our

experience as we rethink these lessons, espe-

cially as we see their importance to our

homes and our own times.

Think on the Writer:

"Amid the con-

stant storm of opposition, the clamor of

enemies, and the desertion of friends, the

intrepid apostle at times almost lost heart.

But he looked back to Calvary, and with

new ardor pressed on to spread the knowl-

edge of the Crucified. . . . He sought no

discharge from the warfare till he should

lay off his armor at the feet of his Re-

deemer."—Ellen G. White,

Sketches From

the Life of Paul,

page 148.

LESSON OUTLINE

Message to Children

Eph. 6:1, 2

Reward of Obedience

Eph. 6:3

To Fathers About Children

Eph. 6:4

Instruction for Slaves

Eph. 6:5-7

Reward of the Worker

Eph. 6:8

Instruction to Masters

Eph. 6:9

Excellence in Endeavor

LESSON 12

Part 1

MESSAGE TO

CHILDREN

Eph. 6:1, 2

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Sunday

June 13

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is

right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first

commandment with promise."

One of the main principles of the theocracy of Israel was

the education of 'the children in the religion of the living God.

The underlying concept of that education was obedience to

God and to parents. One of the Ten Commandments is specific.

Ex. 20:12.

Parents in Israel were required to teach their children "dili-

gently" the "commandments, the statutes, and the judgments."

See Deut. 6:1, 7.

"The obligation resting upon children to honor their par-

ents is of lifelong duration. If the parents are feeble and old,

the affection and attention of the children should be bestowed

in proportion to the need of father and mother. . . .

"Our obligation to our parents never ceases. Our love for

them, and theirs for us, is not measured by years or distance,

and our responsibility can never be set aside."—The

Adventist

Home,

page 360.

"Young as he was when brought to minister in the taber-

nacle, Samuel had even then duties to perform in the service

of God, according to his capacity. . . . His religion was carried

into every duty of life. He regarded himself as God's servant,

and his work as God's

work."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page

573.

How is the first duty of children described, and for

what reason? Eph. 6:1; Ex. 20:12.

What connection often exists between home training

and the unrest among the youth of today? Is the early

home training of little children important in our times?

"This is the first commandment with

promise. It is binding upon childhood

and youth, upon the middle-aged and

the aged. There is no period in life

when children are excused from honor-

ing their parents. This solemn obliga-

tion is binding upon every son and

daughter, and is one of the conditions

to their prolonging their lives upon the

land which the Lord will give the faith-

ful. This is not a subject unworthy of

notice, but a matter of vital importance.

The promise is upon condition of obe-

dience. If you obey you shall live long

in the land which the Lord your God

gives you. If you disobey you shall not

prolong your life in that land."—"Testi-

monies," Vol. 2, pp. 80, 81.

Excellence in Endeavor

LESSON 12

Part 2

REWARD OF

OBEDIENCE

Eph. 6:3

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Monday

June 14

"That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live

long on the earth."

Obedience to God's commandments brings rich blessings. God

promised blessings to Israel if they would diligently observe

His commandments. Deut. 28:1-14.

"Well with thee. . . .

Children are happier when they have

learned obedience to parents, and all are happier when they

have learned obedience to God.

"Live long. . . .

A life that gains the blessing of God on this

earth has promise of life everlasting.

"It is well recognized that a wholesome family life, of which

obedience is a part, tends to the well-being of society and of

nations. Obedience to Christian parents means sobriety, indus-

try, self-control, and all those other virtues that bring both

physical and spiritual health. Paul is stating a natural law as

well as announcing special blessings of God upon the obedient.

The vices that shorten life will not be found in the Christian

home."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 6:3.

"It was their conscientious observance of the commands of

Holy Scripture, that in the days of Jeremiah's ministry brought

to Daniel and his fellows opportunities to exalt the true God

before the nations of earth. The instruction these Hebrew

children had received in the homes of their parents, made them

strong in faith and constant in their service of the living God."

—Prophets and Kings,

page 428.

"Their [Israel's] obedience to the laws of God would make

them marvels of prosperity before the nations of the world.

. . . If obedient, they would be preserved from the diseases that

afflicted other nations and would be blessed with vigor of in-

tellect. The glory of God, His majesty and power, were to be

revealed in all their prosperity. . . . God furnished them with

every facility for becoming the greatest nation on the earth."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, p. 222.

What is the main lesson in our text today? Compare

Matt. 6:33; Deut. 4:40; 5:16. Have we all fully experi-

enced the blessing of obedience?

Have our own young people realized that not to obey

their parents is to violate God's law? Do they realize

that in the judgment they will have to give account for

disobedience to their parents?

"Children who dishonor and disobey

their parents, and disregard their ad-

vice and instruction, can have no part

in the earth made new. The purified

new earth will be no place for the

rebellious, the disobedient, the ungrate-

ful, son or daughter

"These plain teachings they must

meet in the judgment. Yet there is not

one young man or young woman in

twenty professing the present truth who

heeds these Bible teachings."—"Testi-

monies," Vol. 1, pp. 497, 498.

Excellence in Endeavor

LESSON 12



❑

Tuesday

June 15



Part 3



"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:

TO FATHERS but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the

ABOUT CHILDREN Lord."



Eph. 6:4



Parents are reminded of two duties to their children, one a

negative and the other a positive. Training children is a task

that is neither easily nor rapidly done. Parents must remember

that patience is a great part of teaching. Vexatious commands,

incessant teasing, hasty blame and reproof, displays of temper

—these are all provocation to children. Rather, show children

and young people appreciation and encouragement for the things

they have done right.

Parents should remember that example carries far greater

weight with children and young people than does advice. Par-

ents' counsel should agree with their own way of life.

"Provoke not. . . .

The parallel passage in Colossians gives

the reason for this admonition . . . (Col. 3:21). The present

low ebb of parental authority sometimes springs from unjust,

irritating, or even brutal demands made by parents on children.

. . . Another prolific cause of resentment . . . is the capricious,

inconsistent demands of some parents.. . .

"Admonition. . . .

Admonition encourages a child when he

is in the right and warns him when he is in the wrong."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 6:4.

"Parents should be much at home. By precept and example

they should teach their children the love and the fear of God;

teach them to be intelligent, social, affectionate; to cultivate

habits of industry, economy, and self-denial. By giving their

children love, sympathy, and encouragement at home, parents

may provide for them a safe and welcome retreat from many

of the world's temptations."—The

Adventist Home,

page 185.

Tell the two points about which counsel is given. Enu-

merate the suggestions in the above quotations for giving

direction to children and youth. What other elements be-

sides patience are there in the teaching process? Define

provocation in your own terms.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can parents of children and youth benefit from

this lesson? What responsibility for the youth of the

church do church members who are not parents have?

"Happy are the parents whose lives

are a true reflection of the divine, so

that the promises and commands of

God awaken in the child gratitude and

reverence; the parents whose tender-

ness and justice and long-suffering in-

terpret to the child the love and justice

and long-suffering of God, and who by

teaching the child to love and trust and

obey them, are teaching him to love

and trust and obey his Father in

heaven."—"Prophets and Kings," page

245.

Excellence in Endeavor

LESSON 12



❑

Wednesday

June 16

Part 4



"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters

INSTRUCTION according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in single-

FOR SLAVES ness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as

menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will

of God from the heart; with goodwill doing service, as

Eph. 6:5-7 to the Lord, and not to men."

Paul's teaching of the gospel was not to start a revolution

against the evil of slavery, but an evolution in moral thinking

was begun which eventually broke the chains of human bond-

age. Christian concepts—that "God is no respecter of persons,"

and that "all nations of men" were made of one blood (Acts

10:34; 17:27)—were incompatible with belief in slavery. As

masters and slaves worshiped the same God (Eph. 4:6), in the

same church, and recognized Jesus as their Lord (verse 5), all

must have been convinced of the incongruity of the situation

socially and spiritually.

The reference to diligence in endeavor, the spirit of the

worker, and instruction to the masters, is relevant and useful

to both employees and employers of our times.

"The sense of Christ's Lordship ensures

honesty in work.

the apostle continues: 'Not with

eyeservice,

menpleasers.'

. . .

It is the common fault and temptation of servants in all

degrees to observe the master's eye, and to work busily or

slackly as they are watched or not. Such workmen act as they

do because they look to men and not to God. Their work is

without conscience and self-respect. The visible master says

`Well done !' But there is another Master looking on who says

`Ill done!' . . . In His book of accounts there is a stern reckon-

ing in store for deceitful dealers and the makers-up of unsound

goods, in whatever handicraft or headcraft they are engaged."

—G. G. Findlay,

Epistle to the Ephesians,

pages 390, 391.

What three qualities were to characterize the obedi-

ence of servants? What is meant by "eyeservice, as men-

pleasers"? See Matt. 23:5. Does this counsel apply only

to slaves in Roman times, or to all men in all ages? What

is the predominating feature that should characterize our

Christian service? ("To the Lord," Eph. 6:7. Compare Eph.

5:22.)

THINK IT THROUGH

Would there be some revolution in social relationships

today if all Christians would practice fully the gospel

principles in our text? Would it open doors to new hearts

for the message of a soon-coming Saviour? What effect

would come to employee-employer relations?

"Christianity makes a strong bond of by the same Spirit; and they are made

union between master and slave, king one in Christ Jesus."—"The Acts of the

and subject. . . . They have been Apostles," page 460.

washed in the same blood, quickened

Excellence in Endeavor

LESSON 12

Part 5

REWARD OF

THE WORKER

Eph. 6:8

❑

Thursday

June 17

"Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth,

the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond

or free."

The apostle now mentions the judgment, putting all men

on the same level. See 2 Cor. 5:10. In the Roman world there

were sharp differences in social status, but in the body of Christ

this was not to be so. 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27, 28; Col. 3:11. A

common human aspiration has been reward for service, but the

world often bestows on drudgery little or no reward. Now

Paul assures the slave of reward for the good deeds, if not in

this world, in the next. To rob service wholly of reward lowers

work into the desperation of forced drudgery. Although rewards

are not really earned, yet God pictures at least some of His

gifts as rewards. Rev. 22:12. This fact must have brought great

joy to the slave.

"Knowing.

The slave may have the assurance that his life

and deeds are observed by Providence, and that the rewards

that come to other men will be his also. The great spiritual cer-

tainties are the heritage of

all

believers."—SDA

Bible Commen-

tary,

on Eph. 6:8.

The slave, as a member of the church, gets knowledge and

understanding of life never before available to him. This knowl-

edge will lead him to faith (Rom. 10:17), and faith to victory.

"Let a living faith run like threads of gold through the per-

formance of even the smallest duties. Then all the daily work

will promote Christian growth. There will be a continual look-

ing unto Jesus. Love for Him will give vital force to every-

thing that is undertaken. Thus through the right use of our

talents, we may link ourselves by a golden chain to the higher

world."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page 360.

"But when the Master receives the talents, He approves and

rewards the workers as though the merit were all their own.

His countenance is full of joy and satisfaction. . . . For every

service and every sacrifice He requites them, not because it is

a debt He owes, but because His heart is overflowing with love

and tenderness."—Ibid., p. 361.

What great truth is now announced to the slave? On

what new level of society did this status place him? In

what sense are "bond" and "free" on the same level?

See Acts 17:26.

THINK IT THROUGH



Besides the rewards and benefits from endeavor men-

tioned in the notes and texts of this lesson, what others

have you experienced? Is there a connection between

one's daily work and his religion?



Excellence in Endeavor

LESSON 12



❑

Friday

June 18



Part 6



"And, ye masters, do the same things unto them,

INSTRUCTION forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also

TO MASTERS is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with

Eph. 6:9 Him."

In the Christian community human rights vitally concern

the relationships between members and groups. The high and

low, the rich and poor, are all brothers in Chiist. Even in

servant-and-master relationships in Roman days the spirit of

brotherhood was enjoined on all. The golden rule (Matt. 7:12)

is to be put into practice. Every action is to take into account

that both master and slave have the same Lord in heaven. At

the bar of judgment He will ask both "What was done?" and

"Who did it?" Then both good and bad deeds will meet their

reward regardless of the status of the persons concerned. This

kind of thinking and practice among masters and slaves put

things entirely in a new light, and the prevailing social systems

began to change.

"Forbearing threatening.

Special instruction had been given

the Hebrews on the treatment of servants (Lev. 25:39-43; Deut.

15:12-14; Jer. 34:14), and even more was expected of Chris-

tians, who had a fuller revelation of God in Christ Jesus as

regards human relationships. Threatening implies fear and

force, whereas the way of the gospel is the way of love. Threat-

ening is usually the beginning of cruelty and must be entirely

eliminated. It is a tremendous challenge to any administrator

to exercise his authority in love rather than through power and

force. It does not mean that he should not expect just service,

but his warnings and discipline must be exercised with self-

control and Christian charity. ReTect for the personalities of

others is one of the first evidences'of the converted life."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 6:9.

What were the instructions the apostle had for the

masters? Eph. 6:9. What were the masters to keep in

mind as they dealt with the slaves? Col. 4:1.



THINK IT THROUGH



Was it easy for Roman slave owners to practice these

Christian principles? Did slaves and masters need divine

grace in these matters as we do today?

"Those who are the partakers of the will do all they can to make the world



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

be ready to make



better for their stay in it. This spirit is

any sacrifice, that others for whom He the sure outgrowth of a soul truly con-

died may share the heavenly gift. They verted."—"Steps to Christ," page 78.

001

Answers: (1) Obey, for this is right; (2) Prosperity, live long on the earth; (3) Provoke not

children to wrath, rear children in nurture of the Lord; (4) As servants of Christ; (5) good thing,

doeth, receive of the Lord; (6) Your Master also is in heaven.

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BE STRONG IN THE LORD

"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the

wiles of the devil." Eph. 6:11.

Study Helps:

Prophets and Kings,

pages

171-176;

The Great Controversy,

pages

613-634;

SDA Bible Commentary.

In the Epistle to the Ephesians we have

studied some of the most profound truths

expounded by the apostle Paul. These prin-

ciples have affected the thinking of millions

around the world for almost 2,000 years.

The course of human history has under-

gone a radical change because of the gos-

pel of Jesus Christ, and much credit is due

to the apostle Paul as the chief human

exponent of the Christian way.

In the lesson this week we study the

apostle's final exhortation to the believers.

The text is a Biblical classic; its profound

significance for the believer in his struggle

day by day has been of great inspiration

and consolation to large numbers of Chris-

tians in all ages.

Think on the Writer:

"No faithful hand

recorded for the generations to come, the

last scenes in the life of this holy man; but

inspiration has preserved for us his dying

testimony. Like a trumpet peal has his

voice rung out through all the ages, nerv-

ing with his own courage thousands of wit-

nesses for Christ, and wakening in thou-

sands of sorrow-stricken hearts the echo of

his own triumphant joy."—Ellen G. White,

Sketches From the Life of Paul,

page 334.

LESSON OUTLINE

Be Strong in His Might

Eph. 6:10, 11

Fight Against the Powers of

Darkness

Eph. 6:12

The Whole Armor

Eph. 6:13

Belt, Breastplate, Shoes

Eph. 6:14, 15

Shield, Helmet, Sword

Eph. 6:16, 17

Victory Through Prayer

Eph. 6:18-24

101

Part 1

BE STRONG

IN HIS MIGHT

Eph. 6:10, 11

❑

Sunday

June 20

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in

the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God,

that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the

devil."

Be Strong in the Lord

LESSON 13

Victory goes to the strong. Spiritual survival is a question

of strong faith in Christ. The believers will be strong only in

the might of God. Phil. 4:13. Paul always has confidence in the

power of God (Rom. 1:16; 2 Cor. 6:4, 7), and thus he exhorts,

"Be strong in the Lord." While believing in the power of God

to save, the Christian must ever remember that there is an

enemy to watch. 1 Peter 5:8. God always has a means for the

salvation of the just, and it is the armor of God.

Ways by which the Christian can be strong in the Lord:

"I saw that the strength of the children of God is in their

humility. When they are little in their own eyes, Jesus will be

to them their strength and their righteousness, and God will

prosper their

labors."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 307.

"God has strength and wisdom in store for those who seek

for it earnestly, in faith believing."—Ibid., p. 108.

"Faith in Christ's power will impart strength to sustain,

and light to guide."—Ibid., Vol. 5, p. 42.

"Remember that prayer is the source of your strength."—

Ibid.,

Vol. 7, p. 2437

"None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths

of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict."—The

Great Controversy,

pages 593, 594.

"If the Word of God were appreciated as it should be, both

young and old would possess an inward rectitude, a strength

of principle, that would enable them to resist temptation."—

Testimonies,

Vol. 8, p. 319.

Repeat the two exhortations given by the apostle. How

does the believer become "strong in the Lord"? 2 Tim.

2:1; 1 Cor. 16:13. What is the reason for putting on the

"armor of God"? 1 Peter 5:8.

THINK IT THROUGH



Through what means are the believers to face the

snares of Satan?

Some of the snares of Satan in our

time are found in vague and fanciful

interpretations of Scripture. Ellen

White discusses many of these danger-

ous ideas in a chapter entitled "Snares

of Satan" in "The Great Controversy,"

pages 518-530. The following excerpts

give some idea of the content of the

chapter (numbers in parentheses indi-

102

cate the pages): "To many, scientific

research has become a curse" (522). "To

keep the minds of

men

searching and

conjecturing in regard to that which

God has not made known" (523). "The

fast-spreading belief that Satan has no

existence as a personal being" (524).

"Worldly wisdom teaches that prayer

is not essential" (525).

Part 2

FIGHT AGAINST

THE POWERS

OF DARKNESS

Eph. 6:12

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Monday

June 21

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but

against principalities, against powers, against the rulers

of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness

in high places."

With his keen spiritual perception, the apostle saw troublous

times coming, not only for the individual but also for the

church. There is a fight to be carried on by the believer. 2 Tim.

4:7. There is constant enmity against the church. Rev. 12:17.

The enemy stalks as prey those who fear God. 1 Peter 5:8.

"Resist" is the watchword for the believer. 1 Peter 5:9.

"In the Word of God are represented two contending parties

that influence and control human agencies in our world. Con-

stantly these parties are working with every human being. Those

who are under God's control and who are influenced by the

heavenly angels, will be able to discern the crafty workings of

the unseen powers of darkness. . . . They must give no place

whatever to Satan and his angels.

"But unless we are constantly on guard, we shall be over-

come by the enemy. Although a solemn revelation of God's will

concerning us has been revealed to all, yet a knowledge of His

will does not set aside the necessity of offering earnest suppli-

cations to Him for help, and of diligently seeking to cooperate

with Him in answering the prayers offered."—Ellen G. White

Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6, p. 1119.

"The prayer of Asa is one that every Christian believer may

fittingly offer. . . . In life's conflict we must meet evil agencies

that have arrayed themselves against the right: Our hope is not

in man, but in the living God. With full assurance of faith we

may expect that He will unite His omnipotence with the efforts

of human instrumentalities, for the glory of His name. . . . We

may gain the victory over every

foe."—Prophets and Kings,

page 111.

What should be the attitude of the Christian toward

the forces of evil? Eph. 6:14; 1 Cor. 9:26. What is your

understanding of the phrase "spiritual wickedness in high

places"?

In what ways do you think the believer must resist

evil? 1 Tim. 6:12.

Be Strong in the Lord

LESSON 13

"He [Satan] is now preparing for his

last campaign against the church. All

who seek to follow Jesus will be

brought into conflict with this relentless

foe. The more nearly the Christian imi-

tates the divine Pattern, the more surely

will he make himself a mark for the

attacks of Satan. . . .

"Christ will give strength to all who

seek it. No man without his own con-

sent can be overcome by Satan."—"The

Great Controversy," page 510.

103

Part 3

THE WHOLE ARMOR

Eph. 6:13

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Tuesday

June 22

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God,

that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and

having done all, to stand."

In the evil day.

Does this imply a specific future day? In

Eph. 5:16 Paul says, "because the days are evil." So his genera-

tion was evil. This was the thought of Jesus: "This is your

hour, and the power of darkness." In our world every day is

an evil day in the sense that the Satanic hosts are always active.

The whole armor.

God's armor must not be worn in part.

David had less than a full armor when he fell into sin. See

2 Samuel 11; 12. Jacob had only partial armor when he deceived

Isaac his father. Genesis 27. Peter was not fully armored when

he denied his Lord. Matt. 26:69-75.

The Christian is vulnerable at many spots, and often that

characteristic he thinks is his strongest turns out, under tempta-

tion, to be his weakest. As a chain is no stronger than its weak-

est link, so the Christian is no stronger than his weakest ele-

ment of character. In view of the variety of foes that must be

met and the various weaknesses of the flesh, nothing less than

the entire armor will suffice.

"Having done all. . . .

Trusting in God never deprives one

of the privilege of exerting his own God-given powers to the

utmost. Although it is true that the battle will never be won

without God's armor and power, neither will it be won without

the cooperation of the human with the divine." [See

Thoughts

From the Mount of Blessing,

page 142.]

"It is the armor of God, because the possession of it is the

direct result of the presence of God within. Where the Spirit

of God inhabits our nature, His presence ensures our possession

of this armor of proof.

"It is the armor of God because Jesus Christ, the God-man,

was clothed in it, and in it defeated the foe. At any rate, we

may learn what this armor is, and how best to use it, by study-

ing the use Christ made of

it."—Speaker's Bible,

edited by

James Hastings, on Eph. 6:13, pages 403, 404.

What danger is involved if the believer is clothed in

only a part of the, armor? What do the following mean

to you: "withstand," "evil day," and "having done all, to

stand"? See Luke 1:17, last part; 1 Tim. 6:12.

How long will the Christian be involved in the war-

fare? How only will the warfare be carried on success-

fully?

Be Strong in the Lord

LESSON 13

"God's servants are to put on every

piece of the Christian armor. We are

not wrestling simply with human foes.

God calls upon every Christian to enter

the warfare and fight under His leader-

ship, depending for success on the grace

104

and help of Heaven. ... Never are we

to yield to Satan's attacks. . . . In this

warfare there is no release. . . . Those

who are in Christ's service must watch

every outpost."—"Testimonies," Vol. 9,

pp. 219, 220.

Be Strong in the Lord

LESSON 13

Part 4

BELT, BREAST-

PLATE, SHOES

Eph. 6:14, 15

❑

Wednesday

June 23

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with

truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of

peace."

"Truth. . . .

The truth spoken of here is more than personal

honesty; it is the truth of God as it is lodged in the heart, ap-

propriated, and acted upon....

"Righteousness.

Some apply this to the righteousness of

Christ that covers the child of God; others, to the Christian's

personal loyalty to principle. Both are essential for successful

warfare... .

"Gospel of peace. . .

In this verse . . . the idea seems to be

that of steadfastness in the Christian warfare. Hence the gospel,

in this instance, is not so much the gospel to be proclaimed, but

the gospel that has found lodgment in the heart of the Chris-

tian. . . . He stands firm on the knowledge of Christ incarnate,

crucified, risen, ascended—the heart of the gospel, and the

reason for peace."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 6:14, 15.

All of these figures used to define the Christian's armor are

drawn from Roman soldiers' equipment, probably in the order

in which the warrior put them on. In another place it is "the

armor of light"; it all means to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ"

and to live as He lived.

Does the warrior language of our lesson teach salva-

tion by works? Does a peaceful Christian nevertheless

have to fight evil? See James 4:7.

THINK IT THROUGH



Is the witness for truth relevant to man's problems

today? How does truth become the Christian's personal

possession?

"Truth has a power to elevate the

receiver. If Bible truth exerts its sanc-

tifying influence upon the heart and

character, it will make believers more

intelligent."—"Testimonies," Vol. 4, p.

545.

"The truth in the heart is a wellspring

of life. It refreshes the weary and re-

strains vile thought and utterance."—

"Ibid.," Vol. 5, p. 601.

"The truth of God is an anchor."—

"Ibid.," Vol. 2, p. 304.

"The truth is designed to elevate the

receiver, to refine his taste and sanc-

tify his judgment. There should be a

continual effort to imitate the society

we expect soon to join

;

namely, angels

of God who have never fallen by sin."

—"Ibid.," Vol. 1, p. 216.

105

Part 5

SHIELD, HELMET,

SWORD

Eph. 6:16, 17

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Thursday

June 24

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye

shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the

Spirit, which is the Word of God."

The Roman shield protected the whole body against the

enemy's arrows, sometimes heated or alight. Compare Ps. 120:4.

"Faith. . . .

This faith is active, like the shield that is raised

to catch the fiery darts; it is also passive in that it trusts in

God for deliverance. Under the impact of temptation of any

kind it is faith that restores confidence and enables one to

carry on the battle. . . .

"Fiery darts.

Ancient arrows sometimes had combustible ma-

terials, such as tow and pitch, ignited on the head of the shaft

so as to set fire to whatever they hit. This is an appropriate

image for the fiery temptations that come to the child of God.

They may take the form of fear, discouragement, impatience,

unholy thoughts, envy, anger, or any other vice. But faith in

God, held aloft like a shield, catches them, snuffs out the flame,

and makes them fall harmless to the ground."—SDA

Bible

Commentary,

on Eph. 6:16.

"Paul knew that the higher Christian attainments can be

reached only through much prayer and constant watchfulness,

and this he tried to instill into their minds. But he knew also

that in Christ crucified they were offered power sufficient to

convert the soul and divinely adapted to enable them to resist

all temptations to

evil."—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 307.

Name and describe the three weapons of Christian

victory mentioned in the lesson. Quote some New Testa-

ment words showing that we are "kept [guarded] by the

power of God through faith." 1 Peter 1:5.

Why do you think Paul mentions only one weapon of

attack (the sword) among numerous pieces of defensive

armor? Is this to encourage Christians to adopt a stand

for truth, and, when the attacks of the enemy are over, to

be found still standing for God and truth?

Be Strong in the Lord

LESSON 13

"Many who should stand firm for

righteousness and truth have mani-

fested weakness and indecision. . . .

Those who fail to grow in grace, not

seeking to reach the highest standard

in divine attainments, will be overcome.

"This world is to the Christian a land

of strangers and enemies. Unless he

106

shall take for his defense the divine

panoply and wield the sword of the

Spirit he will become the prey of the

powers of darkness. The faith of all will

be tested. All will be tried as gold is

tried in the fire."—"Testimonies," Vol.

5, p. 104.



Be Strong in the Lord

LESSON 13



❑

Friday

June 25



Part 6



"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in

VICTORY the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance

THROUGH and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance

PRAYER may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly,

to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am

an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly,

as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know my affairs,

and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful

minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that

ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort

your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith,

from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be

with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

Eph. 6:18-24 Amen."

"Praying always" is linked with "all perseverance" and

means effort or exertion in prayer. This is the case in all areas

of spiritual life.

"For all saints" is all-inclusive. We should pray for those

we naturally like and those we may not like.

"And for me" indicates Paul's conscious need for both words

and courage. "Utterance" means not only words but wisdom

in choosing and using them. Compare 1 Cor. 12:8, where Paul

states that the Spirit gives "the word of wisdom."

"Prayer is not another weapon; rather, it is the spirit, the

manner, in which the whole armor is to be worn and the battle

fought. Paul is here urging it as a perpetual state of mind, a

continuous attitude of communion with God (see Luke 18:1;

Phil. 4:6; Heb. 4:16). . . .

"Perseverance in prayer is not for the purpose, by sheer

persistence, of making God change His mind, in some such

fashion as a begging child finally extracts what he wants from

an unwilling parent. Perseverance in prayer, however, clearly

indicates on the part of the suppliant a state of mind that

gives God an opportunity to do things He could not safely do

for him otherwise."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Eph. 6:18.

Is it natural and easy to pray unceasingly, or do we

need the Holy Spirit's help in this?



THINK IT THROUGH



What are the main characteristics of acceptable

prayer? See Matt. 7:7; James 1:6; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2.



"Pray

in faith. And be sure to bring



faith weaken, for the blessings re-

your lives into harmony with your peti-



ceived are proportionate to the faith

tions, that you may receive the bless-



exercised. . . . Pray, believe, rejoice."

ings for which you pray. Let not your —"Testimonies," Vol. 7, p. 274.

107

BOL

Answers: (1) whole armor, stand, wiles; (2) Real; (3) Whole armor; (4, 5) A. truth, B. righteous-

ness, C. gospel of peace, D. faith, E. salvation, F. Word of God; (6) Praying always.

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Thirteenth Sabbath Offering

THE NEW AFRO-MIDEAST DIVISION

A Realignment of Nations

The Afro-Mideast Division, recipient of the offering overflow

of the second quarter, 1971, was formed at the time of the General

Conference Session held in Atlantic City in June, 1970. It includes

the territory of the former Middle East Division, the Ethiopian

Union, the East Africa Union, and the Tanzania Union. One hun-

dred thirteen thousand church members live in this territory.

The offering overflow will be divided between two educational

institutions which serve as training centers for the future workers

and leaders of this vast territory. The Bugema Missionary College

in Uganda, East Africa, is in desperate need of building and equip-

ment if it is to continue to serve the increasing demands of this

region.

Middle East College in Beirut, Lebanon, while offering a strong

educational program, must increase its facilities as it seeks to serve

the greatly increased constituency of the new division.

These projects are worthy of the sacrifice of each Sabbath School

member. As you give, remember that you will be helping to prepare

those who will finish the work of God in this vast territory.

Ray Jacobs, Secretary,

Afro-Mideast Division.

Lessons for the Third Quarter of 1971

Sabbath School members who have not received a senior

Lesson Quarterly

for the third quarter of 1971 will be helped

by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The

title of the series is "The Church and Its World Mission." The

title of the first lesson is "A World in Revolt." The memory

verse is 2 Corinthians 5:19.

The outline is as follows: (1) Sin Enters Heaven. Isa. 14:12-

15. (2) God's Purpose in Creating This Earth. Isa. 45:18.

(3) Controversy Transferred to This Earth. Rev. 12:7, 8, 12,

13. (4) Sin Enters This Earth. Rom. 5:12. (5) Man in Re-

bellion. Eph. 6:12; Rom. 3:23; Rom. 8:10. (6) Reconciling

the World Unto God. Col. 1:20, 21.

Litho in U.S.A.

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AFRO-MIDEAST DIVISIOR1

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Members

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17,494,570

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396

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74,207

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167,001

Ethiopia U.M.

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24,000,000

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12,027

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21,560

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134,550,000

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3,404

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4,457

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12,231,342

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142

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23,596

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43,353

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189,275,912'

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615

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113,234

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236,371